Open
Source change captured:
Quebec Fisheries Fund
Supports fisheries innovation, infrastructure, and market growth
Funding available
$ 2,500,000
Deadline
Opened September 1, 2026
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Quebec Fisheries Fund is a joint Canada-Quebec contribution program investing $50 million over 5 years to support organizations in Quebec’s fish and seafood sector through innovation and development. It supports projects in innovation, infrastructure, and market development or diversification.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,500,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Non-financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Business Associations
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- For innovation: research and development, pilot projects, innovation trials, commercialization of innovations, and creation of innovation partnerships or networks.
- For infrastructure: adaptation or adoption of new technologies, new processes, or new equipment, as well as associated training.
- For scientific partnerships: research on the impacts of changes in the ecosystem, scientific activities related to sustainable harvesting technologies, scientific partnerships, and activities aimed at protecting and restoring the abundance of priority wild fish stocks in Canada.
- For market development and diversification: market access initiatives, export advertising, market analyses, branding strategies, certifications, trade shows, missions, hiring a marketing manager, and support for strategic opportunities.
Documents Needed
- Detailed project description.
- Financial statements for the 3 previous years.
- Information on the reimbursement rate related to QST/GST.
- Supplier quotes.
- List of relevant licences, permits, and environmental authorizations.
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Quebec Fisheries Fund updated
The Quebec Fisheries Fund now says project proposals will open on September 1, 2026, with updated funding terms, expanded scope, and a new contact email.
The Quebec Fisheries Fund page now says organizations will be able to submit project proposals beginning on September 1, 2026, and that additional information will be provided in the coming weeks to support submissions. The program terms were also updated to over $50 million over 5 years, with a 60% Government of Canada and 40% Government of Quebec funding split. The scope now includes market development and diversification and revises the program to 4 pillars, and the page now provides DFO.QUEQFF-FPQQUE.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca for information requests.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Groups and organizations established in Quebec.
- Commercial businesses, such as fishers, aquaculturists, and aquatic product processing companies.
- Industry associations and other non-profit organizations.
- Research and innovation institutions, universities, and post-secondary educational institutions.
- Indigenous organizations or groups other than commercial businesses.
Eligible expenses
- Telecommunications services and communication or network services.
- Communications research services.
- Costs or fees associated with obtaining eco-certification or similar accreditations.
- Indirect administrative costs, up to 10 % of all other eligible costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs other than the listed eligible costs
- The cost of construction of a vessel, unless the Departments expressly agree in writing
- The cost of construction of a building, unless the Departments expressly agree in writing
- The expansion of a plant, unless the Departments expressly agree in writing
- GST/QST that the recipient is eligible to receive as an input tax credit
Selection criteria
- Contribution to the objectives of the relevant component, such as improved sustainability, new technologies or products, or better understanding of ecosystem changes.
- Practical benefits to the sector, including collaboration among stakeholder groups and benefits that support multiple parties.
- Project feasibility and overall quality, including completeness, clarity, sound evidence, and the likelihood of achieving results within the proposed timeframe.
- The applicant’s technical, financial, and management capacity, including human resources and scientific expertise.
- Special attention may be given to projects aligned with Quebec or Canada priorities, and equivalent projects may be ranked to maximize sector benefits.
How to apply
- Submit your project starting on 1st September 2026.
- Attach the financial assistance application form to the proposal.
- Submit all proposal documents in paper format and electronically (USB key).
- Do not send the proposal or application documents by email.
Processing and Agreement
- Recipients will be required to provide reports on the actual costs incurred, the actual financial assistance received and its source, as well as the results obtained from the activities carried out.
- Additional reporting obligations may be required.
Additional information
- If a recipient redistributes contribution funds to a third party, the recipient remains responsible for fulfilling its obligations under the funding agreement.
- Recipients that redistribute funds must select applicants and third parties who are eligible recipients for the relevant component and cannot act as agents of the governments of Quebec or Canada when making distributions.
- Intellectual property rights arising from a project will be conferred on the recipient or granted to the recipient by a third party by way of a licence.
- When traditional Indigenous knowledge is used in reports or other documents provided to the parties, the contribution agreement should specify how that information may be used.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Quebec Fisheries Fund Program
What is the Quebec Fisheries Fund?
The Quebec Fisheries Fund is a joint Canada-Quebec contribution program investing $50 million over 5 years to support organizations in Quebec’s fish and seafood sector through innovation and development. It supports projects in innovation, infrastructure, and market development or diversification.
How much funding can be received?
Quebec Fisheries Fund Funds up to $2,500,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Quebec Fisheries Fund program?
To be eligible for the Quebec Fisheries Fund program, you must:
Be established in Quebec.
Have the legal capacity to enter into a contribution agreement.
Be active in or support fish and seafood harvesting, processing, or aquaculture activities.
What expenses are eligible under Quebec Fisheries Fund?
Telecommunications services and communication or network services.
Communications research services.
Costs or fees associated with obtaining eco-certification or similar accreditations.
Indirect administrative costs, up to 10 % of all other eligible costs.
Who can I contact for more information about the Quebec Fisheries Fund?
You can contact Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) by email at FondsPechesQuebec@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca or by phone at 819 371-3971.
Where is the Quebec Fisheries Fund available?
The Quebec Fisheries Fund program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Quebec Fisheries Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Quebec Fisheries Fund is a Grant and Funding