Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation

• The project must operate within the Atlantic provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island.
• The applicant’s activities must be part of Canada’s fish and seafood sector.
• The project must support innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships in the fish and seafood sector.
• The project must help increase the value, quality or sustainability of fish and seafood products for domestic or international markets.

Who is eligible?

The grant is open to participants engaged in the fish and seafood sector within the Atlantic provinces of Canada, specifically Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, to support innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships.

• Commercial fisheries and aquaculture operators in the Atlantic provinces.
• Fish and seafood processors looking to implement new technologies or processes.
• Organizations conducting scientific research and partnership projects related to fisheries and aquaculture.
• Community organizations and Indigenous groups involved in the fisheries sector.
• Businesses and industry groups aiming to improve sustainability and market readiness of seafood products.

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. Eligibility criteria may vary, but generally, the following types of companies may not qualify:

• Companies outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island
• Companies that do not operate within the fish and seafood sector
• Companies that do not meet the specific project criteria outlined in the fund guidelines

Eligible expenses

This grant supports initiatives that advance innovation, infrastructure, and scientific collaboration within the fish and seafood sector. The eligible activities are designed to enhance product value, optimize processes, and foster academic partnerships.

• Innovation initiatives that develop new seafood products and technologies.
• Infrastructure projects that involve capital investments in new products, processes, or technologies for the seafood industry.
• Science partnerships between industry, academia, and research institutions to expand knowledge related to fisheries and seafood production.

Eligible geographic areas

• Businesses located in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Businesses located in Nova Scotia.
• Businesses located in New Brunswick.
• Businesses located in Prince Edward Island.

Applications for the Atlantic Fisheries Fund will be evaluated based on their alignment with the fund's objectives and their potential impact on the fish and seafood sector in Atlantic Canada.

• Alignment with fund objectives
• Potential impact on the fish and seafood sector in Atlantic Canada
• Feasibility and clarity of the proposal
• Evidence of partnerships and collaboration
• Demonstrated need for funding

• Applications are received on a continuous basis until the annual funding allocation for the fiscal year has been fully committed.
• Once yearly funds are exhausted, new applications can only be funded when the next fiscal year’s allocation becomes available.
• The initiative is focused on supporting the fish and seafood sector’s transition to meet increasing global demand.
• The program emphasizes the production of high value, high quality and sustainable seafood products for domestic and international markets.