Seafood processors and fishers can now avail of funding to invest in their businesses, and support lobster conservation through the reopening of two grant aid schemes.

Both the Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme and Inshore Fisheries Conservation Scheme for V-notching are now open.

The first scheme will allow processors to invest in product development, innovation, and efficiencies in production methods and energy use, with a closing date of June 4th for applications.

Meanwhile, the Conservation Scheme for V-notching aims to improve the sustainability of Ireland’s lobster fishery by protecting female lobsters so they can successfully breed again a number of times; the closing date for this is March 6th.

Minister Timmy Dooley said the reopening of the schemes signalled Ireland’s commitment to supporting the industry while it deals with quota reductions.

‘More than €21.9 million in grant aid was awarded to over 1,600 operations in the Irish seafood sector since the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund schemes opened in mid-2024.’

He also made the claim that these investments are helping to sustain coastal communities that are reliant on the seafood industry.

‘Over €6 million in grant aid has already been allocated to ambitious projects under the Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme since it launched in June 2024. The scheme is helping to unlock further private investment in innovation, supporting businesses to grow, compete and deliver real economic impact to the seafood economy and our coastal communities.’

Minister Dooley said fishers taking part in BIM’s lobster v-notching programme are protecting the species, maintaining the industry and building a sustainable future.

‘I commend the achievements of the 240 fishers in 92 locations who participated in the BIM v-notching programme in 2025. Their efforts resulted in 61,000 lobsters weighing almost 40 tonnes being safely returned to the sea. the highest number on record.’

The total V-notched last year is equivalent to 6.5% of total lobster landings based on the average annual landings of 600 tonnes, and means over 450 million additional eggs being spawned.

A total of €742,000 in grant aid was awarded to fishers last year as part of the conservation scheme.

Applications can be made via the Bord Iascaigh Mhara website.