RMNEF Newsletter August 2025
News and Noteworthy
Supporting Fishing Families Through the Octopus Bloom Crisis
The UK’s South West coast is facing an unexpected ecological crisis. A dramatic surge in octopus numbers is severely impacting local shellfish stocks. Crabs, lobsters, and scallops, which are the staples of the region’s fishing industry, are being rapidly depleted as octopus populations thrive in unusually warm waters linked to climate change.
For many fishermen and their families, the consequences are immediate and distressing. Some are reporting a 60% drop in their usual catch, with pots being pulled up containing little more than empty shells. For crews and communities already facing financial pressures, this collapse in shellfish stocks brings real uncertainty.
At the RMNEF, we recognise the strain this crisis is placing on seafaring and fishing families. The knock-on effects of declining catches don’t stop at sea, they reach into homes, affecting the wellbeing, education, and future opportunities of children in these communities.
That’s why RMNEF is here to help. Through educational support grants, can help with the cost of school materials, support at university, or simply ensuring young people can continue their studies without additional worry.
“Waves of Influence” Women‑in‑Maritime Fundraiser Raises £50K
The first-ever Waves of Influence lunch, co-hosted by The Seafarers’ Charity and Sailors’ Children’s Society, raised around £50,000 to support seafaring families, with a focus on women in maritime roles (who represent just 1% of the maritime workforce).
Spotlight
University Grants
At the RMNEF, we are committed to ensuring that financial hardship never stands in the way of a young person’s education. One of our most frequently awarded grants supports university students from seafaring families who are experiencing financial difficulty.
We offer tailored monthly living grants, up to £620 for students living away from home and up to £415 for those living at home. The amounts are subject to change at the discretion of the Trustees. These grants are paid monthly in arrears for the entirety of the course, conditional on university attendance, and provide vital assistance that enables students to continue their studies with confidence and stability.
Diana Pearson, CEO of RMNEF, says:
“This grant may be the deciding factor in whether a young person can pursue higher education. It makes a real difference, not just financially, but in providing families with peace of mind. We’re proud to offer this support, especially as RMNEF is the only charity in our sector doing so. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to make a referral.”
We understand how quickly student living costs can add up. HEPI research shows that the maximum maintenance loan covers only around 55% of the minimum living expenses outside of London. Average monthly costs in the UK currently stand at £1,104 for rent, £144 for groceries, £76 for bills, £65 for transport, £51 for social activities, £18 for course materials, and £16 for mobile phones. To support better budgeting, we’ve created a simple downloadable monthly budget PDF to help students track their income and expenses.
Applying for the university support grant is straightforward. Here’s what we require:
· A completed RMNEF application form, or Form A, or a referral form from a partner charity, including financial details
· Proof of seafaring connection: Merchant Navy or RFA discharge number, fishing payslips, RNLI payslips, or a partner charity referral
· The student’s birth certificate (showing parentage)
· Full university course details, including start and end dates
· A university acceptance letter
· Three months of family bank statements
Once we’ve reviewed the documents, the student and their family will be invited to a video call with Diana Pearson for an informal conversation. This is an opportunity to discuss the application in more detail and to get to know each other. Following the meeting, a submission is made to the RMNEF Trustees, who make the final decision on the grant award.
Importantly, our support isn’t limited to first-year students. If you’re already at university and find yourself struggling financially, you can still apply for this grant.
We believe that every young person from a seafaring background deserves the chance to thrive in higher education, regardless of financial barriers. If you know someone who may benefit from this support, or if you’re a student in need, we warmly encourage you to reach out. Together, we can help shape brighter futures.
Dates for the Diary
- · 26th July-10th August – National Marine Week
- · 4th August – Coast Guard Day
- · 6th August – National Play Day, encouraging children to get outside and play
- · 2nd-8th August – Cowes Week
