Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund
Canada
Funding for Canadian manufacturers of whalesafe gear
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateDecember 22, 2022
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Educational services
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get financial support towards the purchase, testing, and refinement of whalesafe gear and support the advancement of rope-on-demand gear technology.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Acadia University - Scotian Shelf, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia
- Area 19 Snow Crab Association - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
- Ashored Inc. - Throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec
- Association des Crabiers Gaspésiens - Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec
- Association of Inshore Fishermen/Association des pêcheurs côtiers des Iles (APCI) - Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec
- Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation (CCFI) - Newfoundland and Labrador
- Canadian Whale Institute - Gulf of St. Lawrence, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
- Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) - Bay of Fundy, Scotian Shelf, Gulf of St. Lawrence
- Cape Breton Fish Harvesters Association - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
- Clearwater Seafoods - Scotian Shelf offshore, Nova Scotia
- CoastLine Cordage Group Ltd. - Throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec
- Coldwater Lobster Association - Scotian Shelf, Nova Scotia
- Conseil de la Première Nation des Innus de Nutashkuan - Quebec
- Coopérative des capitaines-propriétaires de la Gaspésie (ACPG) - Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec
- Devocean - Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec
- Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University - Newfoundland and Labrador
- Fundy North Fishermen's Association (FNFA) - Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
- Grand Manan Fishermen's Association - Bay of Fundy
- Homarus Inc - Gulf of St. Lawrence, New Brunswick
- JASCO - Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Merinov - Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec
- Mi'gmaq Maliseet Aboriginal Fisheries Management Association (MMAFMA) - Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec
- Miawpukek First Nation - Newfoundland and Labrador
- Micmacs of Gesgapegiag - Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec
- Milbrook First Nation - Gulf of St. Lawrence; Bay of Fundy Nova Scotia
- Nova Robotics - project 1 - Throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec
- Nova Robotics - project 2 - Nova Scotia; all areas
- OCEAN-CAM - Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec
- Passamaquoddy Recognition Group - Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
- PEI Fishermen's Association (PEIFA) - Gulf of St. Lawrence, Prince Edward Island
- Polysteel Atlantic Ltd. - Throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec
- Réseau des pêcheurs professionnels du sud de la Gaspésie (RPPSG) - Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$500,000
Sydney
Deployment of mixed on-demand gear and low breaking-strength ropes to protect marine life
$300,000
St. John's
Purchase and testing of on-demand gear to protect marine wildlife in Newfoundland and Labrador
$844,235
Gaspé
Development of low breaking-strength ropes for crab fishing in the Gulf of St Lawrence
$763,836
Saint John
Purchase and deployment of on-demand gear to mitigate whale entanglements in the Bay of Fundy
$426,478
Halifax
Implementation of low breaking-strength ropes for lobster fishing on Scotian Shelf
$550,000
Gaspé
Research and development of on-demand gear for inshore fishing in the Gulf of St Lawrence
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- Canadian not-for-profit and charitable organizations
- Canadian companies, businesses, organizations, and associations
- Indigenous organizations and communities
- Recognized research, academic, and educational institutions
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Canadian not-for-profit and charitable organizations
- Canadian companies, businesses, organizations, and associations
- Indigenous organizations and communities
- Recognized research, academic, and educational institutions
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- $271,188 - Low breaking-strength ropes/links
- $199,000 - On-demand gear
- $338,800 - On-demand gear
- $439,127.50 - On-demand gear
- $149,200 - Low breaking strength rope/links
- $790,102.76 - On-demand gear
- $550,000 - On-demand gear
- $3,513,800 - On-demand gear, Low breaking strength ropes/links
- $102,928.07 - Low breaking-strength ropes/links
- $250,000 - Low breaking strength rope/links
- $800,000 - Low breaking strength rope/links
- $426,478 - Low breaking strength rope/links
- $500,000 - On-demand gear
- $270,000 - On-demand gear
- $153,318 - On-demand gear
- $1,169,000 - Low breaking strength rope/links
- $247,650 - Low breaking strength rope/links
- $763,836 - Low breaking strength rope/links
- $380,215 - On-demand gear
- $270,097 - On-demand gear
- $844,235 - Low breaking-strength ropes/links
- $300,000 - On-demand gear, Low breaking strength ropes/links
- $275,000 - On-demand gear
- $360,000 - On-demand gear, Low breaking strength ropes/links
- $500,000 - On-demand gear, Low breaking strength ropes/links
- $350,000 - On-demand gear, Low breaking strength ropes/links
- $60,000 - Low breaking-strength ropes/links
- $500,000 - On-demand gear
- $121,600 - On-demand gear, Low breaking strength ropes/links
- $2,250,000 - On-demand gear, Low breaking strength ropes/links
- $825,000 - Low breaking strength rope/links
- $107,176 - On-demand gear, Low breaking-strength ropes/links
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Scotian Shelf, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia
- Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
- Throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec
- Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Bay of Fundy, Scotian Shelf, Gulf of St. Lawrence
- Southwest Nova Scotia
- Gulf of St. Lawrence; Bay of Fundy Nova Scotia
- Gulf of St. Lawrence, New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Gulf of St. Lawrence, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
- Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
- Grand Manan Fishermen's Association, Bay of Fundy
- Prince Edward Island
grant_single_labels|criteria
- The project must focus on the development or testing of whalesafe fishing gear.
- Applicants must belong to eligible groups such as Canadian not-for-profit and charitable organizations, Canadian companies, businesses, organizations, and associations, Indigenous organizations and communities, and recognized research, academic, and educational institutions.
- The proposed project must align with the objectives of the Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund, which include promoting the use of low breaking-strength fishing gear to protect whales, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the gear, and supporting the transition to new gear for harvesters.
- Preference may be given to projects that demonstrate innovation, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and potential for broad adoption in Canadian fisheries.
- Proposals should clearly outline the intended outcomes, methodology, timeline, and budget for the project.
grant_single_labels|register
- Review the eligibility criteria for the Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund.
- Prepare a detailed proposal outlining your project, objectives, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes.
- Submit your application through the designated process outlined by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
- Be prepared to provide additional information or attend meetings related to your application if requested.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Applicants should be aware that the Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund supported a variety of projects aiming to test and implement whalesafe fishing gear in Canadian fisheries. - The funded projects included initiatives focused on testing rope-on-demand systems, low breaking-strength rope and links, and other innovative gear modifications. - The goal of the Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund is to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the low breaking-strength fishing gear in protecting whales and supporting fishermen in transitioning to new gear. - The projects funded through the Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund involved a range of organizations, including Canadian not-for-profit and charitable organizations, businesses, Indigenous groups, research institutions, and more. - The fund aimed to increase the domestic supply of commercially-ready whalesafe gear and enhance partnerships with various stakeholders to promote the adoption of safer fishing practices for the protection of marine mammals. - Collaboration between industry stakeholders, Indigenous partners, researchers, and government agencies was crucial in the development and implementation of whalesafe fishing gear to prevent harm from entanglements.
Apply to this program
Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund: Protecting Whales through Innovative Fishing Gear
Understanding the Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund and Its Impact on Canadian Fisheries
The Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund (WSGF), administered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), aims to mitigate the risk of whale entanglements in fishing gear by supporting the adoption and implementation of whalesafe fishing technologies. Allocated with up to $20 million in funding, the WSGF provides financial assistance to various stakeholders, including not-for-profit organizations, indigenous groups, and commercial entities, to test, purchase, and deploy innovative fishing gear that minimizes harm to marine mammals.
The Motivation Behind Whalesafe Gear
Whale entanglements in fishing gear pose a significant threat to whale populations, particularly the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Traditional fishing gear can ensnare whales, causing injuries that may lead to death. The development of whalesafe gear, such as low breaking-strength ropes and rope-on-demand systems, is a critical initiative to ensure the protection of these marine mammals while supporting sustainable fishing practices.
Types of Whalesafe Gear
Whalesafe gear falls into two primary categories: 1. **Low Breaking-Strength Rope/Links:** These devices are designed to break under 1,700 lbs of force, making it possible for entangled whales to free themselves and reducing the risk of serious injury. 2. **On-Demand Systems:** These systems, such as rope-on-demand and inflatable bag systems, allow fishing gear to be deployed without vertical lines in the water. These systems are activated by an acoustic signal from a fishing vessel, ensuring that buoy lines are only present during gear retrieval.
Long-Term Strategy for Whalesafe Gear Implementation
DFO is committed to a long-term strategy for testing and implementing whalesafe fishing gear across Canadian fisheries. This strategy involves extensive consultation with Indigenous partners, fish harvesters, non-government organizations, and academic experts. By fostering collaboration, DFO aims to guide the integration of on-demand gear and low breaking strength ropes across various fisheries to prevent and reduce whale entanglement incidents.
Highlights of Funded Projects
The WSGF has supported numerous projects aimed at testing and refining whalesafe gear. Some notable examples include: - **Acadia University**: Conducts offshore lobster fishery trials in the Bay of Fundy, testing low breaking-strength rope in deep-sea, high-current conditions. - **Area 19 Snow Crab Association**: Examines different whalesafe gear types in the Cape Breton snow crab fishery. - **Ashored Inc.**: Develops a rope-on-demand system and increases its manufacturing capacity to meet anticipated demand. - **Canadian Whale Institute**: Contributes to a virtual multi-manufacturer gear location marking system for rope-on-demand fishing gear. - **Canadian Wildlife Federation**: Creates a gear-lending program to facilitate the trials and adoption of various whalesafe gear by Maritimes fish harvesters.
Objectives and Outcomes
The primary objective of the WSGF is to prevent whale entanglements by facilitating the transition to safer fishing gear. By supporting the development and availability of commercially viable whalesafe gear, the WSGF aims to protect whale populations while ensuring that fish harvesters can continue their operations effectively. The fund also encourages domestic production of these innovative technologies, fostering economic growth in the manufacturing sector. The funded projects have provided valuable insights into the performance and practicality of different whalesafe gear types under various fishing conditions. These initiatives have identified specific gear configurations that work best, contributing to the broader adoption of whalesafe gear across Canadian fisheries.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite significant progress, there are challenges in the widespread adoption of whalesafe gear. Factors such as the cost of new gear, the need for extensive testing under diverse conditions, and the logistical complexities of transitioning from traditional to innovative fishing practices must be addressed. Future efforts will focus on scaling up production, reducing costs, and ensuring that fish harvesters receive the training necessary to effectively use whalesafe gear.
Engaging Stakeholders
The success of the WSGF depends on active engagement with all stakeholders involved in the fishing industry. By fostering strong partnerships with Indigenous groups, fish harvesters, manufacturers, and research institutions, the initiative ensures that the transition to whalesafe gear is as smooth and effective as possible. Continuous feedback from these groups helps refine the gear and address any operational challenges that arise, ensuring that the technologies developed are practical, effective, and widely accepted.
Case Studies of Successful Implementation
Many funded projects have demonstrated the feasibility of implementing whalesafe gear in real-world fishing operations: - **Cape Breton Fish Harvesters Association** conducted trials in lobster, crab, and groundfish fisheries, identifying the most suitable low breaking-strength technologies for each type. - **Clearwater Seafoods** utilized time tension line cutters in offshore lobster fishing, conducting both laboratory and at-sea trials to refine these tools for deep water conditions. - **Homarus Inc** expanded trials of the Edgetech rope-on-demand system in various crab and lobster fisheries, paving the way for broader adoption.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Adopting whalesafe gear offers significant benefits beyond whale protection. It helps prevent gear loss and reduces ghost fishing, contributing to healthier marine ecosystems. Moreover, supporting Canadian manufacturers in developing and producing whalesafe gear creates job opportunities and boosts the local economy. By reducing the risk of whale entanglements, fishers can also avoid costly interruptions and potential restrictions on fishing activities.
Conclusion
The Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund is a pivotal initiative that aligns conservation efforts with sustainable fishing practices. By investing in innovative gear technologies and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the WSGF is making significant strides in protecting whale populations while supporting the livelihoods of fish harvesters. As the program continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in preserving marine biodiversity and promoting a sustainable future for Canadian fisheries.
