Photos by ©Philip Price/seawilding.org (Images 1-4, 6) and ©Marine Conservation Society (Images 5, 7).
Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund
The Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF) is designed to help bridge the nature finance gap. We accept voluntary contributions from those interested in the health of Scottish waters and strategically redistribute through grants to marine enhancement projects across Scotland.
The unique placement of SMEEF, which is managed by a Steering Group of the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate, Crown Estate Scotland and NatureScot, provides exceptional insight and assures robust governance and transparency.
SMEEF plays a key role in delivering important policy areas including the Blue Economy Vision for Scotland and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.
SMEEF funds projects that recover, restore or enhance the health of marine and coastal habitats and species from Shetland to the Borders. You can read our latest Impact Report 2024 -2025 HERE.
SMEEF aims to be an effective long-running, funding mechanism that will:
- Help meet the challenges of the climate and biodiversity emergencies,
- Provide corporate social responsibility opportunities, and
- Encourage research and development.
The Fund supports a just transition to net zero through grant-aided projects that enhance the marine ecosystem services we all rely upon, including:
- Recovery, Restoration and Enhancement of marine and coastal habitat and species,
- Marine and coastal nature-based solutions to climate related impacts,
- Invasive species management,
- Research which sheds new light on relevant issues and/or makes projects more effective.
Long term goals
Solutions Focused Partnerships
Enabling industry to play their part
Increased Funding for Marine Enhancement
Through private investment
Positive Change at Scale
Overcoming barriers and supporting impactful projects
Effective, Informed, Strategic Investment
Science led grant programmes
Marine Restoration Across Scotland
Many communities, business and individuals are involved in marine restoration across Scotland. Almost ALL the projects on this map received funding through SMEEF since it was established. Donations have come from a range of donors, including the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund as well as private companies. Click on the pins for a short description and be inspired by the range of exciting projects which are happening around our coastline and in our seas. As more SMEEF funded projects get underway, they will be added to this map.
- SMEEF facilitated Nature Restoration Fund 2022/23
- SMEEF facilitated Nature Restoration Fund 2021/22
- SMEEF Privately Funded Round 1 - 23/24
- Existing marine restoration case studies