How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding

Q: What are Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding's eligibility criterias?

Be a business established in Atlantic Canada Conduct or support fish harvesting, seafood processing, or aquaculture activities Demonstrate economic benefits to the Atlantic region

Last Update: June 21, 2025

NS, Canada

Funding for innovation, infrastructure and science projects in the Atlantic

Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding at a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 70% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services

Grant Providers

Government of Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Status

Open

Overview of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding can cover up to a maximum of 80% of the eligible project costs, depending on the size and type of organization.
The Federal Government provides 70% of the overall program funding, with the remaining 30% contributed by participating provinces and territories.
Specific funding terms based on the requested amount thresholds: distinct proposal templates are provided for projects requesting funding below or above $100,000.
The Fund will invest over $400 million over 7 years in the fish and seafood sector in Atlantic Canada.

Eligible projects & activities

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 300,000

Launching a pilot program for eco-friendly shrimp farming

$ 250,000

Developing sustainable aquaculture techniques for shellfish farming

$ 450,000

Conducting scientific research on the effects of climate change on cod populations

$ 400,000

Implementing AI-driven monitoring systems in lobster fishing

$ 180,000

Training fishery workers on sustainable harvesting technologies

$ 550,000

Adopting blockchain for traceability in the seafood supply chain

Eligibility criteria of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding program

The applicant must be established in Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador).
The applicant may be an Indigenous group, commercial business (including fishers, aquaculture operators, seafood processors), university or academic researcher, industry association, or other non-profit or research organization.
The applicant must be involved in or support activities related to fish harvesting, seafood processing, or aquaculture sectors.
The project must demonstrate economic benefits for the Atlantic region.
The project must focus on eligible activities in innovation, infrastructure, or science partnerships within the fish and seafood sector.

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

Eligibility criteria of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding program

Applicant's ability to initiate and successfully complete the project.
Project alignment with the program's objectives.
Overall quality and feasibility of the project proposal.
Potential economic benefits to the Atlantic region.
Relevance to regional priorities and, where applicable, strategic designation by participating provinces.

How to apply to the Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding program

Determine Eligibility

Check the specific requirements for projects in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Consult the detailed eligibility and assessment criteria provided by the Atlantic Fisheries Fund.

Develop a Project Proposal

Outline the project objectives, highlighting innovation, infrastructure improvement, or science partnerships.
Include details on how the project will contribute to high-quality, value-added, and sustainably sourced seafood.
Prepare a comprehensive budget and financial plan.

Engage Collaboration

Identify and engage potential partners from Indigenous groups, non-governmental organizations, industry, or academia.
Secure letters of support or partnership agreements with collaborators.

Gather Required Documentation

Collect all necessary supporting documents such as financial statements, project timelines, and résumés of key personnel.
Ensure all documents meet the guidelines set by the fund.

Submit the Application

Visit the official website of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund to access the application portal.
Complete the online application form with accurate and detailed information.
Upload all required documents as per the instructions provided on the portal.
Submit the application by the specified deadline and ensure you receive a submission confirmation.

Follow-Up

Monitor the status of your application through the portal or via the contact information provided by the fund.
Prepare to respond to any requests for additional information or clarification from the fund administrators.

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.

Contact Government of Canada

RegionalAFF-FPARegional@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

1-844-795-9718

Apply to this program

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