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Source verified August 1, 2026
Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation
Supports innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships in Atlantic fisheries
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic component provides financial assistance to support innovation, infrastructure investments, and science partnerships that help the fish and seafood sector in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island deliver high-value, sustainable products to global and domestic markets. Applications are accepted through the Atlantic component application process, and funding may involve a contribution agreement before approval.
/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
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
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
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Research and development of new innovations to contribute to the sustainability and enhanced product quality of the fish and seafood sector
- Pilots and testing of new innovations
- Activities to introduce innovations to market
- Adapting or adopting new technologies, processes or equipment to improve the effectiveness, quality and sustainability of the fish and seafood sector
- Science activities in support of the development of sustainable harvesting, processing and aquaculture technologies, including initiatives supporting the creation of partnerships or networks that help scientific activities in the sector
Documents Needed
- Application for financial assistance form
- Appropriate project proposal
- All supporting documents
- Relevant supplier quotes
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Supporting document
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Atlantic Canada-based Indigenous groups
- Atlantic Canada-based commercial enterprises, including fishers, aquaculturists and seafood processors
- Atlantic Canada-based universities and academics
- Atlantic Canada-based industry associations and other non-profits
- Atlantic Canada-based other organizations, such as research institutions and provincial crown corporations
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
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
Selection criteria
- Applicant eligibility and ability to start and successfully complete the project
- The project proposal is for an eligible activity and addresses the program objective
- The project proposal is of overall quality and is feasible
- The project proposal generates potential economic benefits to the sector
- Projects may be prioritized if they meet and align with regional priorities and are identified by participating provinces as key strategic projects
How to apply
- Provide the completed application, the appropriate proposal and all supporting documents in both paper and electronic format (on a memory stick).
- Include relevant supplier quotes.
- Submit by mail or courier to Atlantic Fisheries Fund - Polaris - P430, PO Box 1006, 1 Challenger Dr, Dartmouth NS B2Y 4A2.
- Do not submit proposals or accompanying documents by email.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications and project proposals are reviewed for eligibility and funding requirements.
- Projects may also be assessed for feasibility, quality, program fit and economic benefit.
- Applicants selected for funding are contacted to develop a contribution agreement.
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships fundingFunding for Atlantic fish and seafood sector projects
- Atlantic Fisheries Fund — InfrastructureFunding for Atlantic Canada fisheries projects
- Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science PartnershipsSupport for Atlantic fisheries innovation and research
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation Program
What is the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation?
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic component provides financial assistance to support innovation, infrastructure investments, and science partnerships that help the fish and seafood sector in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island deliver high-value, sustainable products to global and domestic markets. Applications are accepted through the Atlantic component application process, and funding may involve a contribution agreement before approval.
Who is eligible for the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation program?
To be eligible for the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation program, you must:
Applicants must reside in a participating province.
Applicants must be active in or support fish and seafood harvesting, processing or aquaculture activities.
Projects must demonstrate maximum economic benefits accruing to the Atlantic Region.
What expenses are eligible under Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation?
Research and development of new innovations to contribute to the sustainability and enhanced product quality of the fish and seafood sector
Pilots and testing of new innovations
Activities to introduce innovations to market
Adapting or adopting new technologies, processes or equipment to improve the effectiveness, quality and sustainability of the fish and seafood sector
Science activities in support of the development of sustainable harvesting, processing and aquaculture technologies, including initiatives supporting the creation of partnerships or networks that help scientific activities in the sector
Who can I contact for more information about the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation?
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 — Innovation available?
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.
Is the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation?
Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation is funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)