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Quebec Fisheries Fund — Innovation

Funding for Quebec fish and seafood innovation

Offered by
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
Official source: dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 2,500,000
Up to 70% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Commercial enterprises in fish, seafood, aquaculture, or processing
See full eligibility

Overview

The Quebec Fisheries Fund supports innovation in Quebec’s fish and seafood sector. It finances projects in innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships, with a maximum of $2.5 million per project for innovation and infrastructure and $1 million for science partnerships.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$2,500,000
Maximum share of project costs
70%
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Increase production or service capacity
  • Implement environmental initiatives
  • Develop a new product or service
  • Increase operational productivity
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Optimize production processes
  • Launch or market a product/service
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Quebec
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
499 employees maximum
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
All legal structures

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 2

Latest changes

Quebec Fisheries Fund update

The Quebec Fisheries Fund page now says project proposals open on September 1, 2026, with updated funding terms, expanded pillars, and a new contact email.

See more

The Quebec Fisheries Fund page now says organizations can begin submitting project proposals on September 1, 2026, and that additional submission information will follow in the coming weeks. It also updates the program financing to over $50 million over 5 years, with a 60% Government of Canada and 40% Government of Quebec split, and expands the program from 3 pillars to 4 by adding market development and diversification. A new information email address is now listed for requests.

Official source: dfo-mpo.gc.ca
August 12, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Commercial enterprises in fish, seafood, aquaculture, or processing
  • Industry associations and non-profit organizations
  • Research and innovation institutions
  • Academics and post-secondary institutions
  • Indigenous organizations or groups

Eligible expenses

  • Salaries, employee benefits, and labour costs
  • Professional, technical, and contract services
  • Training, travel, meetings, and conferences
  • Equipment, materials, supplies, and repairs
  • Construction-related costs, permits, and indirect administrative costs up to 10%

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Construction of a vessel
  • Construction of a building
  • Plant expansion
  • Any cost not directly related to the project

Eligible geographic areas

  • Quebec

Activities funded

  • Research and development for new products and technologies
  • Pilot projects and testing of innovations
  • Adoption of new technologies, processes, or equipment
  • Training linked to new technologies or processes
  • Scientific research on ecosystem changes and sustainable harvesting technologies

How to apply

  • Provide a completed application, the appropriate proposal, and all supporting documents in paper or electronic format
  • Submit your documents by e-mail to DFO.QueQFF-FPQQue.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or FondsPechesQuebec@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
  • Submit your documents by mail or in person to either your Fisheries and Oceans Canada area office in Quebec Region or the regional directorate for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec

Selection criteria

  • Applicant eligibility and ability to complete the project
  • Eligible activities, costs, and funding limits
  • Project alignment with program objectives
  • Project quality, feasibility, and expected economic benefits
  • Collaboration and broader benefits to the sector

Processing and Agreement

  • Application and proposal are reviewed for eligibility and funding requirements
  • Projects are assessed for program fit, feasibility, quality, and economic benefits
  • Projects may be prioritized according to industry priorities
  • Applicants selected for funding are contacted to develop a contribution agreement
  • Funding is only processed if funds are available

Additional information

  • Applications are accepted throughout the fiscal year, but funding is only available when credits remain.
  • Projects may be prioritized to reflect industry priorities.
  • Applicants are encouraged to use the program guides and claim instructions provided by the fund.

Contacts

DFO.QueQFF-FPQQue.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Official sources

Apply to the Quebec Fisheries Fund: Step 1. Overview

Program guide

2. ObjectivesApply to the Quebec Fisheries Fund: Step 2. Who can applyApply to the Quebec Fisheries Fund: Step 3. Eligible activities

Application form

Final payment certificate Quebec Fisheries FundIdentification and certification, detailed costs claimed and progress report - Quebec Fisheries Fundqff advance payment request engqff declaration overdue amounts engqff final payment certificate eng

Supporting document

Declaration of overdue amounts owed to the Government of Canada form - Quebec Fisheries FundPre-authorized debit and direct deposit for the Fisheries and Oceans Canada contributions Quebec Fisheries Fund
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Quebec Fisheries Fund — Innovation Program

What is the Quebec Fisheries Fund — Innovation?

The Quebec Fisheries Fund supports innovation in Quebec’s fish and seafood sector. It finances projects in innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships, with a maximum of $2.5 million per project for innovation and infrastructure and $1 million for science partnerships.

How much funding can be received?

Quebec Fisheries Fund — Innovation Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses, capped at $2,500,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Quebec Fisheries Fund — Innovation program?

To be eligible for the Quebec Fisheries Fund — Innovation program, you must: Established in Quebec Active in fish or seafood sector Legal capacity to sign agreement

What expenses are eligible under Quebec Fisheries Fund — Innovation?

Salaries, employee benefits, and labour costs Professional, technical, and contract services Training, travel, meetings, and conferences Equipment, materials, supplies, and repairs Construction-related costs, permits, and indirect administrative costs up to 10%

Who can I contact for more information about the Quebec Fisheries Fund — Innovation?

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

Where is the Quebec Fisheries Fund — Innovation available?

The Quebec Fisheries Fund — Innovation program is available the province of Quebec.

Is the Quebec Fisheries Fund — Innovation a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Quebec Fisheries Fund — Innovation is a Grant and Funding