The Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF) is an innovative nature finance vehicle that facilitates investment in marine and coastal enhancement in Scotland.
Through SMEEF users – and enthusiasts – of Scottish waters are able to re-invest in the health and biodiversity of our seas by contributing to the Fund. The grants are then allocated to enhancement projects through targeted funding rounds or direct grants to overcome strategic barriers.
You can find out more about our contributors and their impact in our impact report below.
What makes SMEEF different to other funders?
SMEEF is a partnership between NatureScot, Scottish Government and Crown Estate Scotland. The placement of the Fund puts exceptional insight at our fingertips and ensures robust governance and transparency in all we do.
- We are a bold, hopeful and ambitious programme
- We know there is a better future possible for our seas and coasts, and we are determined to play our part in making it happen
- We promise to play fair with the money we receive, supporting communities to deliver what is right for them
SMEEF contributes to delivering outcomes across Government policy. In particular SMEEF delivers against the:
- Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Delivery Plan
- Scottish Seabird Conservation Action Plan
- Marine & Coastal Restoration Plan
SMEEF also contributes to the following important policy areas:
- Scottish Government’s Blue Economy Vision
- Principles for Responsible Investment in Natural Capital
- National Strategy for Economic Transition
- Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3
- Climate Change Plan (In draft)
- UK Marine Strategy
- Blue Carbon Action Plan
- INNS strategy (In draft)
- Offshore Wind Strategic Compensation Policy
- National Marine Plan
Download the SMEEF Prospectus 2026 to learn more.