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Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding
Funding for innovation, infrastructure and science projects in the Atlantic
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 70% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund provides over $400 million over seven years to support innovation, infrastructure upgrades, and science partnerships in Atlantic Canada’s fish and seafood sector, with funding available for projects in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The program aims to help the industry develop high-quality, value-added, and sustainably sourced products through the adoption of new technologies, process improvements, and research collaborations.
/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
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
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
- Research and development of new technologies or products in the fish, seafood, and aquaculture sectors.
- Pilot projects and testing of innovative solutions for sustainability and product quality.
- Adoption and adaptation of new processes, technologies, or equipment to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
- Collaboration on science-based projects to improve harvesting, aquaculture, and processing methods.
- Establishment of partnerships between industry and research institutions to advance sector knowledge.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous groups in Atlantic Canada
- Commercial enterprises (including fishers, aquaculturists, and seafood processors)
- Universities and academic researchers
- Industry associations and other non-profit organizations
- Other organizations such as research institutions and provincial Crown corporations established in Atlantic Canada
Eligible expenses
- Research and development costs for innovations in the fish and seafood sector.
- Expenses for pilot projects and testing of new products, technologies, or processes.
- Costs related to the commercialization of innovations.
- Investment in new equipment, technologies, or processes aimed at improving efficiency, quality, or sustainability.
- Training expenses associated with adopting new equipment, technologies, or processes.
- Scientific research expenses to support the development of sustainable harvesting, aquaculture, and processing technologies.
- Research costs related to the effects of ecosystem changes on fish stocks, distribution, and commercial fishing.
- Expenses for establishing industry partnerships or networks that facilitate innovation or scientific collaborations.
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Additional information
- Applications are accepted until current fiscal year funds are fully allocated; funding resumes next fiscal year if limits are reached.
- All documents and forms must be submitted both in paper and electronic format (USB key), as email submissions are not accepted for security reasons.
- Acknowledgement of receipt will be provided within five business days of application arrival.
- PDF forms must be downloaded and completed on a computer with Adobe Reader 10 or newer; mobile devices cannot be used to complete forms.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding. 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 Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding?
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund provides over $400 million over seven years to support innovation, infrastructure upgrades, and science partnerships in Atlantic Canada’s fish and seafood sector, with funding available for projects in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The program aims to help the industry develop high-quality, value-added, and sustainably sourced products through the adoption of new technologies, process improvements, and research collaborations.
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:
Be a business established in Atlantic Canada
Conduct or support fish harvesting, seafood processing, or aquaculture activities
Demonstrate economic benefits to the Atlantic region
What expenses are eligible under Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding?
Research and development of new technologies or products in the fish, seafood, and aquaculture sectors.
Pilot projects and testing of innovative solutions for sustainability and product quality.
Adoption and adaptation of new processes, technologies, or equipment to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Collaboration on science-based projects to improve harvesting, aquaculture, and processing methods.
Establishment of partnerships between industry and research institutions to advance sector knowledge.
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