The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is now accepting applications to the initial solicitation of the Fisheries Innovation Fund (FIF). The purpose of the FIF is to “support programs and projects that ensure safe and profitable fishing continues” as offshore wind is developed in North Atlantic waters. This first solicitation seeks to award around $750,000, with preferred projects having budgets ranging from $25,000 to $300,000. Applications can be submitted digitally via the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental and Energy Affairs (EEA) Grants Management System, and are due by August 29, 2025 at 11:59pm. 

Created through an agreement between the Massachusetts EEA and Vineyard Wind, LLC, this Fund aims to provide support to programs and projects through grants that promote innovation and awareness that will increase the resiliency, sustainability, and profitability of commercial and for-hire fisheries, enhance the community-based support for the commercial and for-hire fishing industry, and ensure these industries have access to cost-effective and modern safety equipment and vessel technologies. 

Solicitation 1 seeks projects or programs that address one or more of three priorities: Fishing Innovation, Community, and Safety. Applicants are not required to be based in Massachusetts, but preference will be given to projects that deliver benefits to Massachusetts marine stakeholders impacted by existing offshore wind development. Applicants may be: individuals or groups of commercial or for-hire fishermen, or shoreside support infrastructure; non-profit fishermen’s advocacy, science or research organizations; non-profit institutions with expertise in commercial or for-hire fishing; academic institutions or public sector entities. Preferred projects will either benefit, collaborate with, or include a letter of support from commercial or for-hire fishing sectors, including shoreside businesses. 

Projects may begin as soon as January 1, 2026 and must conclude by December 31, 2028. Selected applicants will be requested to present updates and findings to the Massachusetts Fisheries Working Group on Offshore Wind. Future solicitations from the Fisheries Innovation Fund are anticipated (possibly annually) until funds are expended. 

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, as part of EEA, works to facilitate the responsible development of offshore renewable energies while promoting the sustainability, resilience and profitability of our fisheries and marine stakeholders. This Fund will support innovative solutions to further that cause.