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Source verified July 16, 2026
Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding
Funding for Atlantic fish and seafood sector projects
Funding available
Up to 70% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund provides over $400 million over 7 years to support Canada’s fish and seafood sector, with the Atlantic component available in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. It funds innovation, infrastructure, and science partnership projects that help develop sustainable, high-quality, and value-added seafood products.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Up to 70% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Developing new products and technologies
- Improving infrastructure through new products, processes, or technologies
- Building science partnerships with industry, academia, and research institutions
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Appropriate project proposal
- Supporting documents
- Supplier quotes
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Supporting document
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous groups
- Commercial enterprises, including fishers, aquaculturists, and seafood processors
- Universities and academic researchers
- Industry associations and other non-profit organizations
- Research institutions and provincial Crown corporations
Eligible expenses
- Research and development for new innovations
- Pilot projects and testing
- Commercialization activities for innovations
- Adoption of new technologies, processes, or equipment
- Training linked to new technologies or equipment
- Scientific research and partnership activities
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Selection criteria
- Ability to start and complete the project successfully.
- Alignment with program objectives.
- Overall quality and feasibility of the proposal.
- Potential economic benefits to the sector.
- Regional priority alignment and strategic importance.
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the application form
- Download and save the PDF form on your computer.
- Open it with Adobe Reader 10 or a newer version.
- Step 2: Prepare the proposal package
- Complete the appropriate proposal for innovation, infrastructure, or science partnerships.
- Include the required supporting documents and supplier quotes.
- Step 3: Submit by mail or courier
- Send the completed application, proposal, and supporting documents to Atlantic Fisheries Fund - Polaris - P430, PO Box 1006, 1 Challenger Dr, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2.
- Email submissions are not accepted.
- Step 4: Await confirmation
- Acknowledgement of receipt is provided within 5 business days.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility and funding requirements.
- Projects are assessed for quality, feasibility, and economic benefit.
- Projects may be prioritized based on regional priorities and strategic designation.
- If approved, applicants are contacted to establish a contribution agreement.
Additional information
- Applications are accepted until the fiscal year’s available funding is fully allocated.
- Applications must be submitted in both paper and electronic format on a USB/memory stick.
- Email submissions are not accepted for proposals or supporting documents.
- Acknowledgement of receipt is provided within 5 business days.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Atlantic Fisheries Fund — InfrastructureFunding for Atlantic Canada fisheries projects
- Atlantic Fisheries Fund — InnovationSupports innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships in Atlantic fisheries
- Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science PartnershipsSupport for Atlantic fisheries innovation and research
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding Program
What is the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding?
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund provides over $400 million over 7 years to support Canada’s fish and seafood sector, with the Atlantic component available in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. It funds innovation, infrastructure, and science partnership projects that help develop sustainable, high-quality, and value-added seafood products.
How much funding can be received?
Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding program?
To be eligible for the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding program, you must:
Based in Atlantic Canada
Linked to fish or seafood sector
Shows regional economic benefits
What expenses are eligible under Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding?
Developing new products and technologies
Improving infrastructure through new products, processes, or technologies
Building science partnerships with industry, academia, and research institutions
Who can I contact for more information about the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) by email at RegionalAFF-FPARegional@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or by phone at 1-844-795-9718.
Where is the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding available?
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.
Is the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding is a Grant and Funding