
Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships
Last Update: July 30, 2025
Canada
Funding to study ecosystem impacts on Atlantic fisheries
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
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
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.
Activities funded
- 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
- 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
Selection criteria
- 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
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.
Contacts
RegionalAFF-FPARegional@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
1-844-795-9718
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships?
Who is eligible for the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships?
Where is the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships available?
Are startups eligible for the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships program?
More programs like this

Grant and FundingOpen
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Financial Assistance
National Research Council Canada (NRC)Financial support for technology innovations
Canada

Tax CreditsOpen
Clean Technology Manufacturing (CTM) Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)Incentivize Canadian companies to invest in clean technology
Canada

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen
Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Strategic Innovation Fund supports transformative Canadian economic investments
Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
AI-Powered Supply Chains Cluster (Scale AI)
Global Innovation Clusters (GIC)Funding to enhance supply chains with AI
Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program (GIFMP) — Industrial Facility Track
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)Support for the implementation of energy efficiency and energy management solutions
Canada

Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP)
National Research Council Canada (NRC)Money to hire a student
Canada

Open
ISED — Artificial intelligence (AI)
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Supports testing innovative AI prototypes for Canadian government needs
Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
NRC IRAP – Support for clean technology
National Research Council Canada (NRC)Funding for Canadian SMEs advancing innovative clean technology commercialization
Canada

Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationWage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Mitacs Accelerate
MitacsConnect organizations with academia for research and innovation collaboration
Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Global Innovation Clusters
Innovation CanadaFinancial assistance to work in collaboration on innovation projects
Canada