Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy?

Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy is funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Q: 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

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy?

You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

Q: Where is the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy available?

The Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy program is available the province of Quebec.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy program.

Last Update: September 29, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports Indigenous fisheries management, participation, and community self-sufficiency

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Funds Providers

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Program status

Closed

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.

Financing terms and conditions

Annual funding for the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy (AFS) is $35 million.
Approximately 125 AFS agreements are signed each year under this annual budget.

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 33,500

Community fish hatchery for local walleye stock enhancement

$ 33,700

Enhanced selective fishing gear for whitefish resource sustainability

$ 34,900

Economic access program for lake trout commercial fishing

$ 34,000

Hiring technicians to monitor wild salmon spawning habitats

$ 32,000

Co-management with DFO for restoring sturgeon spawning grounds

$ 33,000

Enforcement program for inland fisheries with new patrol equipment

Eligibility

The applicant must be an Aboriginal group in Canada.
The group must conduct fishing for food, social, and ceremonial purposes.
The fishery must be managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and not already under a land claims settlement with an existing fisheries management regime.

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

How to apply

Confirm group eligibility and scope

Identify the Aboriginal group eligible for the program
Confirm the fishery is managed by DFO and no existing land claims settlement applies

Consult with Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Engage in consultations with DFO regarding fishing rights
Prepare documentation outlining the group's fishing needs for food, social, and ceremonial purposes

Negotiate a fisheries agreement

Negotiate a mutually acceptable and time-limited fisheries agreement with DFO
Discuss provisions such as allowable catch, species, fishing areas, gear, and reporting requirements

Review and approve agreement

Review draft agreement for compliance with community needs and Sparrow decision requirements
Obtain internal approvals if necessary before signing

Sign and submit agreement

Sign the finalized fisheries agreement with DFO
Submit signed agreement as required

Await licence issuance and implement

Wait for DFO confirmation and issuance of the communal fishing licence reflecting the agreement
Prepare for program implementation and reporting requirements

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.

Apply to this program

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?

How much funding can be received?

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.