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Source verified June 8, 2026
Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation
Supports innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships in Atlantic fisheries
Funding available
$ 400,000,000
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.
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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
- Maximum amount : 400,000,000 $
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
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
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
- Innovation projects that develop new products and technologies in harvesting, aquaculture or processing.
- Infrastructure projects that adopt new technologies, processes or equipment to improve sustainability.
- Science partnership projects that support research and collaboration with academia or other institutions.
Documents Needed
- Application for financial assistance form
- Appropriate project proposal
- Supporting documents and 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 academics
- Industry associations and other non-profits
- 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 complete the project.
- Eligible activity and alignment with the program objective.
- Overall project quality and feasibility.
- Potential economic benefits to the sector.
- Regional priorities and strategic importance.
How to apply
- Step 1
- Review the program pages for the relevant application stream.
- Choose the correct proposal type for your project.
- Step 2
- Prepare the appropriate proposal in both paper and electronic format.
- Include the application for financial assistance form and relevant supplier quotes.
- Step 3
- Submit the completed application package by mail or courier to the Atlantic Fisheries Fund office in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
- Do not submit proposals or supporting documents by email.
- Step 4
- Wait for confirmation of receipt.
- The program acknowledges receipt within 5 business days.
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.
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.
How much funding can be received?
Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation Funds up to $400,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation program?
To be eligible for the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation program, you must:
Atlantic Canada-based applicant
Fish and seafood sector project
Innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships
What expenses are eligible under Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation?
Innovation projects that develop new products and technologies in harvesting, aquaculture or processing.
Infrastructure projects that adopt new technologies, processes or equipment to improve sustainability.
Science partnership projects that support research and collaboration with academia or other institutions.
Who can I contact for more information about the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
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