
Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships
Last Update: July 30, 2025
Canada
Funding to study ecosystem impacts on Atlantic fisheries
Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Grant Providers
- Government of Canada
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
Program status
Open
Overview of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships program
Get financial assistance for research into the impacts of the ecosystem changes on the fish and seafood sector, and for setting up partnerships or networks carrying out innovation activities.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant does not specify the financing modalities in the provided information. It focuses on supporting innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships but lacks details on the financial structuring or requirements associated with it.
Eligible projects & activities
- Research and development of new innovations to enhance the sustainability and product quality of the fish and seafood sector.
- Piloting and testing of new technologies or innovations for the fish and seafood industry.
- Introduction and commercialization of new innovations to the market.
- Science activities and research partnerships focused on developing sustainable harvesting, processing, or aquaculture technologies.
- Research on the effects of ecosystem shifts on fish stocks, distributions, and commercial fisheries.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 120,000
Developing a new sustainable fishing technology to reduce bycatch
$ 130,000
Creating a mobile app to help fishers track and report catches
$ 220,000
Research on the effects of microplastics on the shellfish population's waters
$ 150,000
Launching a fish processing technology innovation to improve efficiency
$ 210,000
Establishment of a science partnership with a university to study oceanographic changes affecting fish populations in St John's
$ 190,000
Upgrading fishing infrastructure to include sustainable harvesting technologies
Eligibility criteria of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships program
- The applicant must be based in Atlantic Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island).
- Eligible applicants include Indigenous groups, commercial enterprises (such as fishers, aquaculturists, and seafood processors), universities and academics, industry associations, non-profits, and other organizations (such as research institutions and provincial crown corporations).
- The applicant must be active in or support activities related to fish and seafood harvesting, processing, or aquaculture sectors.
- The applicant must demonstrate that the project will provide maximum economic benefits to the Atlantic Region.
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous groups based in Atlantic Canada
- Commercial enterprises such as fishers, aquaculturists, and seafood processors
- Universities and academic institutions
- Industry associations and other non-profit organizations
- Research institutions and provincial crown corporations
Eligible expenses
- Incremental salaries and wages directly related to project activities.
- Purchase or lease of new equipment and materials essential for project implementation.
- Training costs associated with the adoption of new technologies, processes, or equipment.
- Consulting or subcontracting fees for research, technical support, or expertise necessary for the project.
- Travel expenses directly related to carrying out the project.
- Costs associated with obtaining regulatory approvals for the project, if applicable.
Eligible geographic areas
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
Eligibility criteria of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships program
- Completeness, clarity, and conciseness of the project proposal.
- Demonstrated management and technical capability to undertake and successfully complete the project.
- Quality and originality of the proposed research and its anticipated results.
- Feasibility and reasonableness of project costs and financing plan, including leveraging other sources of investment.
- Contribution to improved understanding of, or capacity to adapt to, ecosystem shifts and their impact on the commercial fishery.
How to apply to the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships program
1
Prepare a Proposal
- Research and thoroughly understand the program's objectives and requirements.
- Identify how your project aligns with the fund's focus areas, particularly in innovation, infrastructure, or science partnerships.
- Develop a comprehensive proposal detailing your project's objectives, methodology, anticipated outcomes, and impact.
- Include a budget plan and any supplementary documentation required by the fund guidelines.
2
Application Submission
- Gather all necessary documents and ensure they meet the format and eligibility requirements set by the fund.
- Submit your proposal and all accompanying documents through the specified submission process, which may include an online portal or physical submission depending on the fund's requirements.
Additional information
- Applicants must submit both paper and electronic versions of their proposals; email submissions are not accepted.
- Each stand-alone project requires a separate proposal submission, even if projects are complementary.
- Proposals must not exceed 200 pages in total, with the main body limited to 100 pages and appendices to 100 pages.
- Applicants may be asked for additional clarification or documents during the review process, and projects may be reviewed by external experts as part of due diligence.
Contact Government of Canada
RegionalAFF-FPARegional@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
1-844-795-9718
Apply to this program

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