Closed
Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program
Last Update: March 24, 2026
Canada
Funding to remove abandoned vessels from small craft harbours
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce the ecological 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
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
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
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
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 122,000
Assessment and removal of a hazardous fibreglass vessel near mooring field
$ 247,000
Removing a sunken commercial fishing boat from the harbour basin
$ 245,500
Vessel removal and site restoration following hurricane debris incidents
$ 225,000
Risk assessment and removal of oil-leaking tugboat from harbour
$ 139,800
Legal seizure and safe disposal of an abandoned steel barge
$ 179,500
Disposal of multiple derelict pleasure craft blocking public dock access
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Project plan
- Budget plan
- Proof of legal possession, if applicable
- Photos of the vessel
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an eligible recipient.
- The vessel must be in a DFO small craft harbour listed in Schedule I.
- The project must involve an abandoned or wrecked vessel.
- The application must include required supporting documents.
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.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the application guide and confirm the vessel is in a listed harbour
- Read the full guide.
- Confirm the harbour is listed in Schedule I.
- Gather the information needed to complete the form.
- Step 2: Prepare the application package
- Complete the application form.
- Complete an additional vessel form for each extra vessel, if needed.
- Prepare the project plan and budget plan.
- Collect supporting documents, including proof of legal possession, photos, and assessments if applicable.
- Step 3: Submit to the regional office
- Make sure the application is complete and accurate.
- Submit the form and supporting documents to the 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 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
Melany.Westerloppe@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
