The Ocean Stewardship Fund is a grantmaking program created and hosted by the MSC. It provides grants for fishery improvements and funds important research into bycatch reduction, protecting marine habitats, and the effects of climate change.
Why the Ocean Stewardship Fund exists
Healthy oceans rely on sustainable fisheries, thriving marine ecosystems, and effective fisheries management. Yet overfishing remains a serious global challenge that threatens ocean wildlife and biodiversity and affects millions of people who rely on seafood for food security, livelihoods, and economic wellbeing.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that more than a third of global fish stocks (35.5%) are fished at biologically unsustainable levels.
Fishing can also impact marine habitats and unintentionally catch non-target species, including endangered, threatened and protected (ETP) species such as sharks, rays, and turtles.
The Ocean Stewardship Fund exists to help support practical, science-based solutions that support sustainable fisheries, reduce environmental impacts, and strengthen effective fisheries management around the world.
Focus of the Ocean Stewardship Fund
Healthy fish populations
Supporting science-based management to maintain sustainable fish stocks
Protecting marine ecosystems
Reducing the environmental impacts of fishing on habitats and marine wildlife
Transparent and effective fisheries management
Strengthening monitoring, governance and accountability in fisheries management systems
Highlights
£9m
awarded to date
200
Fisheries and projects supported
90
In developing economies
1st
Milestone transaction of Loan Guarantee Facility
80%
From MSC royalties
20%
From mission-aligned donors
How the Fund works
Each year, the MSC commits 5% of annual royalties from MSC certified product sales, together with contributions from mission-aligned partners including foundations and corporate partners.Funding opportunities and eligibility
Calls for proposals open annually and grants typically range from GBP 10,000 - 50,000. Eligible applicants include:
- Fisheries participating in the MSC Improvement Program
- Research institutions, NGOs or community groups working with fisheries aligned to the MSC Standard
- Collaborative projects with clear environmental, social or scientific benefits
Applicants are assessed on impact, feasibility, innovation, and alignment with the MSC's mission to end overfishing.
Explore the Project Library
Highlighted projects
West Africa project
Philanthropic conservation organisation the MAVA Foundation recently funded two multi-stakeholder projects, operating across five West African countries.
-500.tmb-thumb300.jpg?Status=Master&Culture=en&sfvrsn=ee59935f_1)
Investigating mammal interactions
The South Africa hake fishery is working with a student researcher to investigate the causes and frequency of interactions with orcas and Cape fur seals.
Assessing impacts to sustainable fisheries
We are carrying out research to identify fisheries and regions where predicted climate impacts threaten their ability to meet benchmarks for sustainabile management.