Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program
Support for vessel removal in small craft harbours
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Deadline
April 15, 2025
Opened January 1, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
The Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program provides up to $250,000 yearly to Harbour Authorities and other eligible recipients for vessels in DFO small craft harbours listed in Schedule I. It supports legal possession, assessment, removal, and final disposal to reduce environmental, safety, and navigation risks.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
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 for Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program
- Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program Additional Vessel Form for each additional vessel, if applicable
- Proof of legal possession of the vessel, if applicable
- Photos of the vessel
- Project Plan, Budget Plan, written confirmation of financial support, and Canadian Coast Guard or Transport Canada Assessments or Vessel Assessment(s), where applicable
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Harbour Authorities
- Provinces or agencies thereof
- Non-profit organizations
- Indigenous groups and Aboriginal groups
- Any person as defined in section 5(3) of the FRHA, and any combination of the above
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
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs other than the eligible costs listed, unless specifically approved in writing by the Director General of SCH.
- Costs attributable to the day-to-day operations of a small craft harbour.
- The recoverable portion of GST/HST claimed through an input tax credit or GST/HST rebate.
- Travel and per diem expenses above the rates and allowances determined in the Travel Directive of the National Joint Council.
Eligible geographic areas
- Small craft harbours listed in Schedule I of the Fishing and Recreational Harbours Regulations.
How to apply
- Ensure the vessel is located in a small craft harbour listed in Schedule I of the Fishing and Recreational Harbours Regulations.
- Read the Application Guide in full.
- Make sure you have all the required information to complete the application.
- Complete the application form for Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program.
- If you are applying for multiple vessels, complete the Additional Vessel Form for each additional vessel and include it with the application.
- Ensure the application is complete, accurate, and comprehensive, include all supporting documentation, and submit the application form to your appropriate regional office.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the appropriate regional office.
- Funding approval is at the discretion of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
- Eligible costs will not be reimbursed until a contribution agreement is signed by both parties.
- Any funds spent before a contribution agreement is in place are not reimbursable.
Additional information
- Multi-year projects are eligible.
- Multiple vessels may be included in one application.
- The application process is designed to allow for both single and multiple vessel removals and disposals.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program Program
What is the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program?
The Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program provides up to $250,000 yearly to Harbour Authorities and other eligible recipients for vessels in DFO small craft harbours listed in Schedule I. It supports legal possession, assessment, removal, and final disposal to reduce environmental, safety, and navigation 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:
The vessel must be in a Schedule I small craft harbour.
Legal possession must be obtained before assessment, removal, or disposal.
The applicant must be an eligible recipient.
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 Lam.Hughson@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.