Ireland's Young Fisher Scheme supports young people to buy their first fishing vessel.
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Ireland’s seafood industry is set to benefit from a raft of renewed financial support as three major grant aid schemes reopen under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
Administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the schemes are part of Ireland’s Seafood Development Programme, co-funded by the Irish government and the EU.
The schemes provide support for seafood processors, aquaculture operators, and young people working in the fishing industry to invest in innovation, sustainability, and business development.
“Funding available under these schemes offers the fisheries, aquaculture and processing sectors further opportunities to make investments that will help them navigate challenges, strengthen their resilience and set their businesses up for growth," said Ireland's Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, via a BIM press release.
“Young people under 40 can also benefit from up to €250,000 to buy their first secondhand vessel under the Young Fisher Scheme, helping them build sustainable careers and securing the future of the Irish fishing fleet," Dooley added.
The Sustainable Aquaculture Scheme, opening on 28 May and closing on 5 September 2025, will provide a 50% support rate for eligible investments including product innovation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, safety equipment, animal health and welfare, and food quality and hygiene.
Mmeanwhile, the Young Fisher Scheme opens on 24 June and closes on 31 October 2025, aiming to support young people purchase their first fishing vessel. It offers applicants under 40 grant aid of up to €250,000 or 40% of the vessel’s acquisition cost, depending on their shareholding.
The third grant aid opportunity, Seafood Processing Capital Investment Scheme, opens from 28 July to 31 October 2025. The scheme provides 50% funding for projects that add value to or fully utilise raw material, and 30% for investments aimed at optimising operations.
“We know there is huge demand from industry for these schemes. That is why we are providing as much notice as possible about scheme dates to ensure those interested in applying have time to prepare their applications," said BIM CEO Caroline Bocquel.
BIM states that applications will be assessed after each scheme’s closing date, and funding may be awarded based on ranking if the total applications exceed the available budget. All applications must be submitted through BIM’s new online grant management system, with support available from the BIM grants team for registration and completion of forms.
