Fisheries Innovation & Sustainability (FIS) is the coalition of experts driving innovation for a prosperous and sustainable UK seafood industry. We invite Expressions of Interest (EoI) from applicants to address the research requirement outlined below. The EoI period will close on Friday 31 October.

Project summary
FIS will commission an economic analysis of novel machinery currently under development to help UK fishing businesses meet new market and regulatory requirements. The prototype machine automatically stuns and tails Nephrops for the scampi market – offering a more humane and efficient alternative to manual live tailing across this important fishery. With significant potential to improve product handling and reduce crew workloads, the economic analysis will inform decision-making around investment and adoption of the technology. The findings will help UK fishing businesses assess the economic viability and practical benefits of integrating this machinery into their operations.

Who can apply
FIS encourages applications from all types of organisations capable of generating new knowledge relevant to sustainable UK seafood. There is no restriction on the geographic location of applicants. FIS welcomes collaborative teams from different sectors.

Costs
Indicative project budget: £10k (incl. VAT)

Deliverables
Final project report with Case Study and Executive Summary.

To confirm your interest in this opportunity, contact FIS Executive Director Kara Brydson at k.brydson@fisorg.uk with evidence of recent work which demonstrates your capacity to deliver the project.

Project timeline
Action                                                                               Date of completion
Closing date for EoI                                                   Fri 31 October 2025
Shortlisted partners contacted                           Fri 14 November 2025
Tenders submitted                                                     Fri 5 December 2025
Successful applicant notified                                Fri 19 December 2026
Project completed                                                      Wed 1 April 2026