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Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training - Canada
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Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training

Supports Indigenous fisheries training and operational skill development
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
  • Closing date : November 30, 2025
Location
Canada

Overview

The Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative - Harvester Training provides financial support to Indigenous communities not eligible for the Atlantic or Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiatives, offering up to 100% funding for in-class harvester training and 75% for at-sea mentoring. The program aims to strengthen commercial fisheries and aquaculture enterprises through targeted training activities such as safety, vessel operation, and skills development.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Obtain certifications or accreditations
  • Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
  • Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
  • Closing date : November 30, 2025

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Other Education
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Employment and Training
Target groups
  • Indigenous peoples
  • Rural / Remote communities
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Local
  • Regional
  • National

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Training of commercial fishing crews and aquaculture workers to ensure safe and effective operations.
  • Development and implementation of community-based harvester training plans aligned with business development goals.
  • Workshops and practical skills development for fishing vessel operations and aquaculture activities.
  • At-sea mentoring programs for new vessel operators and crew members in harvesting or new fishing methods.
  • Skills training in vessel safety, maintenance, gear construction, and quality fish handling.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Indigenous-owned communal commercial fishing enterprises
  • Indigenous aquaculture operations
  • Indigenous groups and communities interested in commercial fisheries and aquaculture

Who is not eligible

  • Companies and organizations eligible for the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI).
  • Companies and organizations eligible for the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI).

Eligible expenses

  • Tuition costs for approved fisheries and aquaculture training courses.
  • Training service provider costs related to instruction and coordination.
  • Teaching materials required for the training.
  • Transport Canada exam fees and related expenses.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Indigenous groups and communities in areas where Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages the fishery, excluding those eligible for the Atlantic or Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiatives.

Additional information

  • A Training Advisor is available to assist with developing or updating fisheries and aquaculture training plans at no cost to the applicant.
  • The list of eligible training courses is clearly defined and subject to approval by the Training Advisor.
  • All applicant information and documentation are treated with strict confidentiality by the program authority, even after project approval.
  • Applicants are encouraged to seek other funding sources before applying to the program.

Contacts

DFO.NICFI-IPCIN.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Frequently Asked Questions about the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training. 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 Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training?

The Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative - Harvester Training provides financial support to Indigenous communities not eligible for the Atlantic or Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiatives, offering up to 100% funding for in-class harvester training and 75% for at-sea mentoring. The program aims to strengthen commercial fisheries and aquaculture enterprises through targeted training activities such as safety, vessel operation, and skills development.

How much funding can be received?

Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training program?

To be eligible for the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training program, you must: Must be an Indigenous group or community not eligible for Atlantic or Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiatives (AICFI or PICFI). Located in areas where Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) manages the fishery. Application must align with the community-based communal commercial fishing enterprise’s (CFE) training plan.

What expenses are eligible under Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training?

Training of commercial fishing crews and aquaculture workers to ensure safe and effective operations. Development and implementation of community-based harvester training plans aligned with business development goals. Workshops and practical skills development for fishing vessel operations and aquaculture activities. At-sea mentoring programs for new vessel operators and crew members in harvesting or new fishing methods. Skills training in vessel safety, maintenance, gear construction, and quality fish handling.

Who can I contact for more information about the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training?

You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) by email at DFO.NICFI-IPCIN.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Where is the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training available?

The Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training program is available across Canada.

Is the Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (NICFI) - Harvester Training is a Grant and Funding

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