Closed
Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program
Funding to remove abandoned vessels from small craft harbours
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2025
- Closing date : April 15, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $250,000 per year to remove abandoned or wrecked vessels from DFO small craft harbours. It supports legal possession, assessment, removal, and disposal activities to reduce environmental and safety risks.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2025
- Closing date : April 15, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
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
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Emergency and Relief
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Gaining legal possession of an abandoned or wrecked vessel
- Assessing the vessel and its removal risks
- Removing the vessel from the harbour
- Disposing of the vessel
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Project plan
- Budget plan
- Proof of legal possession, if applicable
- Photos of the vessel
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Provinces or provincial agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Indigenous groups
- Any person under the FRHA
- Combinations of eligible recipients
Eligible expenses
- Legal fees and possession-related costs
- Assessment and survey costs
- Removal and disposal labour or contractor fees
- Travel, communications, insurance, and equipment rental
- GST/HST
Eligible geographic areas
- Small craft harbours in Canada listed in Schedule I of the Fishing and Recreational Harbours Regulations.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the appropriate regional office.
- Funding approval is at the discretion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
- Eligible costs are reimbursed only after a contribution agreement is signed.
- Applicants may be asked for additional information or assistance during review.
Additional information
- Multi-year projects are eligible.
- Multiple vessels may be included in one application.
- Funding is reimbursed only after a contribution agreement is signed.
- Applications are reviewed case by case for other harbours if all criteria are met.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program. 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 Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program?
This program provides up to $250,000 per year to remove abandoned or wrecked vessels from DFO small craft harbours. It supports legal possession, assessment, removal, and disposal activities to reduce environmental and safety risks.
How much funding can be received?
Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was April 15, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program program?
To be eligible for the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program program, you must:
Eligible recipient
Vessel in Schedule I harbour
Abandoned or wrecked vessel
What expenses are eligible under Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program?
Gaining legal possession of an abandoned or wrecked vessel
Assessing the vessel and its removal risks
Removing the vessel from the harbour
Disposing of the vessel
Who can I contact for more information about the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) by email at Melany.Westerloppe@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Where is the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program available?
The Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program program is available across Canada.