Open
Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program
Collaborate on aquaculture R&D
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Collaborate with government researchers to improve the competitiveness of the aquaculture sector while advancing research on optimal fish health and environmental performance.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Conduct research and development activities
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program funds projects that aim to improve environmental sustainability and fish health within the Canadian aquaculture industry. Eligible activities focus on pest and pathogen management, ecosystem interactions, and the development of environmentally sustainable aquaculture practices.
- Research on pathogens and the development of strategies to mitigate their impacts on aquaculture species.
- Development of management and control measures for pests, including non-chemical treatments for sea lice and strategies for invasive species.
- Evaluation of technologies and management innovations to minimize environmental interactions between farmed and wild aquatic organisms.
- Research on ecosystem interactions, including effects of organic release on biodiversity and modeling nutrient loading impacts.
- Development of disease-resistant or resilient aquaculture strains to improve health outcomes for finfish and shellfish.
- Designing strategies for aquaculture operations to adapt to climate change and mitigate environmental impacts.
- Innovative research on sustainable husbandry and containment practices to enhance environmental performance.
- Development of culture techniques for under-exploited species to ensure sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
- Assessment of aquaculture's positive effects on ecosystems, such as diversity and nutrient sequestering.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Aquaculture producers operating within Canada who are directly involved in producing marine aquatic species for pre-commercial or commercial purposes, as well as those undertaking commercial or developmental production activities on existing or new aquaculture species. Additionally, aquaculture companies or associations involved with sea ranching operations, industry producer associations, or consortia of producers are eligible to apply. Other aquaculture sector stakeholders can also participate as partners with an industry collaborator.Who is not eligible
This grant supports specific sectors within the aquaculture industry and does not cover projects with purely economic objectives or those involving transgenic aquatic organisms. The restrictions ensure alignment with scientific and sustainability goals.
- Projects with solely economic objectives without scientific or sustainability focus.
- Projects involving transgenic aquatic organisms.
Eligible expenses
The eligible projects for the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP) focus on enhancing the sustainability and environmental performance of the Canadian aquaculture industry. Projects involve collaborative research aimed at improving fish health, managing pests, understanding ecosystem interactions, and developing sustainable aquaculture practices.
- Pest and pathogen management for cultured stocks, such as researching pathogens and developing strategies to control fouling.
- Ecosystem interactions, including evaluating technologies to minimize environmental impacts and developing remediation strategies.
- Maintaining healthy populations through novel feeds and disease-resistant strains development.
- Developing sustainable approaches to aquaculture to minimize environmental footprint.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to aquaculture producers operating within Canada, aligning with national research and development priorities.
- Aquaculture producers operating within any region of Canada.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Industry collaborators must contribute a minimum of 30% of the ACRDP amount requested, with at least 7.5% as cash contributions.
- A formal agreement will be established between Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Industry Collaborators for each project.
- An Intellectual Property agreement may be negotiated as part of the collaboration.
- Progress reports must be submitted annually, in addition to a final report upon project completion.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program. 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 Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program?
Collaborate with government researchers to improve the competitiveness of the aquaculture sector while advancing research on optimal fish health and environmental performance.
Who is eligible for the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program program?
To be eligible for the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program program, you must:
Aquaculture producers operating within Canada directly involved in producing marine aquatic species for pre-commercial or commercial purposes.
Producers undertaking commercial or developmental production activities on existing or new aquaculture species.
Aquaculture companies or associations involved with sea ranching mariculture operations.
What expenses are eligible under Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program?
The Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program funds projects that aim to improve environmental sustainability and fish health within the Canadian aquaculture industry. Eligible activities focus on pest and pathogen management, ecosystem interactions, and the development of environmentally sustainable aquaculture practices. Research on pathogens and the development of strategies to mitigate their impacts on aquaculture species.
Development of management and control measures for pests, including non-chemical treatments for sea lice and strategies for invasive species.
Evaluation of technologies and management innovations to minimize environmental interactions between farmed and wild aquatic organisms.
Research on ecosystem interactions, including effects of organic release on biodiversity and modeling nutrient loading impacts.
Development of disease-resistant or resilient aquaculture strains to improve health outcomes for finfish and shellfish.
Designing strategies for aquaculture operations to adapt to climate change and mitigate environmental impacts.
Innovative research on sustainable husbandry and containment practices to enhance environmental performance.
Development of culture techniques for under-exploited species to ensure sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
Assessment of aquaculture's positive effects on ecosystems, such as diversity and nutrient sequestering.
Who can I contact for more information about the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
Where is the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program available?
The Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program?
Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program is funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Government of Canada