Closed
Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy
Supports Indigenous fisheries management, participation, and community self-sufficiency
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy provides up to $35 million annually to support Aboriginal groups in managing fisheries for food, social, and ceremonial purposes. Eligible activities include negotiating fisheries agreements, participating in co-management, conducting stock assessments, enhancing fish habitats, and access to commercial fisheries for economic development.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Management and regulation of fisheries for food, social, and ceremonial purposes by Aboriginal groups.
- Co-operative management projects with Fisheries and Oceans Canada focused on stock assessment, fish enhancement, and habitat management.
- Participation by Aboriginal groups in fisheries management to support conservation and resource improvement.
- Access to commercial fisheries and related economic development opportunities through the Allocation Transfer Program.
- Initiatives to improve fisheries monitoring, enforcement, and selective fishing practices.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous groups and communities involved in fishing for food, social, or ritual purposes.
- Indigenous organizations working in the management, processing, or monitoring of fishery resources.
- Indigenous communities wishing to participate in commercial fishing through specific programs.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries for seasonal jobs in commercial fishing, processing, monitoring, and fishery enhancement activities.
- Costs related to co-operative management projects for fisheries improvement, such as stock assessment, fish enhancement, and habitat management.
- Expenses for monitoring and enforcement associated with Aboriginal fishing activities.
Eligible geographic areas
- Pacific Region of Canada
- Atlantic Canada
- Quebec
Additional information
- Approximately 125 agreements are reached each year under this strategy, mainly in the Pacific Region, with the remainder in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
- Annual funding for the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy is approximately $35 million.
- The Allocation Transfer Program (ATP) is a core component, allowing for the transfer of commercial fishing licences to Aboriginal groups.
- Since 1993, the program has generated around 1,300 seasonal jobs per year in areas such as monitoring and fishery enhancement.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy?
The Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy provides up to $35 million annually to support Aboriginal groups in managing fisheries for food, social, and ceremonial purposes. Eligible activities include negotiating fisheries agreements, participating in co-management, conducting stock assessments, enhancing fish habitats, and access to commercial fisheries for economic development.
Who is eligible for the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy program?
To be eligible for the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy program, you must:
Aboriginal groups participating in fisheries management
Operates in areas where DFO manages the fishery and no land claims fisheries regime is in place
What expenses are eligible under Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy?
Management and regulation of fisheries for food, social, and ceremonial purposes by Aboriginal groups.
Co-operative management projects with Fisheries and Oceans Canada focused on stock assessment, fish enhancement, and habitat management.
Participation by Aboriginal groups in fisheries management to support conservation and resource improvement.
Access to commercial fisheries and related economic development opportunities through the Allocation Transfer Program.
Initiatives to improve fisheries monitoring, enforcement, and selective fishing practices.
Who can I contact for more information about the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
Where is the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy available?
The Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy?
Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy is funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)