Closing date fast approaching for 2011 project funding

-Fund for up to £1 million still open to applicants

-Application closing date is 30 September 2010

Preference for seafood marketing, consumer and nutrition projects

The closing date is fast approaching for this year's seafood Industry Project Fund (IPF), worth up to £1 million, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to Seafish.

Organisations and individuals with ideas that could foster growth and innovation in the seafood industry have until 30 September 2010 to submit their applications. Grants can range in value from £5,000 upwards.

Dr Paul Williams, Research Director at Seafish, said: "We've been receiving a steady flow of applications, but it is definitely not too late to apply. This year, we are particularly interested in applications for grants that cover seafood marketing and consumer communication, or that promote the nutritional benefits of seafood - but work aligning with any Seafish theme is eligible."

Following an in-depth review of its work by its industry sponsors, Seafish is proposing to work to seven themes over the next three years. The seven themes are: Consumer Concerns, Health, Information, Standards, Safety, Environment and Regulation.

"All of this year's applications will be assessed on a value for money basis and will need to show measurable benefit to the seafood industry," said Dr Williams. "Applications that aim to provide the greatest value to the widest industry audience will score highest."

The application period closes on 30 September, 2010. Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their proposals in late September and any funding awarded will be available from April 2011.  Successful applicants will then be contacted by a Seafish Project Manager. However, funding will only be made available after the Supreme Court decision.

Applicants should contact Seafish in the first instance for help with their proposals. For further information, see the Seafish website: www.seafish.org/funding.asp. Concept Forms can also be downloaded from the Seafood Information Network (SIN) at http://sin.seafish.org/