Atlantic Fisheries Fund
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Non-repayable contributions covering up to 75-80% of admissible project expenses for commercial fish harvesters, aquaculturists, seafood processors, industry associations, Indigenous groups, and research institutions in Atlantic Canada. The largest fisheries-specific fund in Canada with over $400 million over 7 years (2017-2026), jointly funded 70% federal and 30% provincial. Three priority streams: innovation (new products, technologies), infrastructure modernization (equipment, processing upgrades), and science partnerships (industry-academia collaboration). Extended to March 2026 with approximately $35M remaining. Federal government has signaled intent to negotiate renewal.
Eligibility Requirements
- Commercial fish harvesters, aquaculturists, and seafood processors in Atlantic Canada (NL, NS, NB, PE)
- Industry associations and not-for-profit organizations supporting the fish/seafood sector
- Indigenous groups and organizations engaged in fish and seafood activities
- Universities, academic researchers, and research institutions (partnering with industry)
- Provincial Crown corporations involved in fisheries
- Supply and service sector companies focused on fish and seafood
- Must be located in and deliver benefits to Atlantic Canada
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to 75-80% of admissible expenses depending on organization size (no fixed per-project maximum). $400M+ over 7 years total.
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Co-Funding
- Up to 80% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing — continuous intake until fiscal year allocation exhausted
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
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How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipEquipment modernization projects (infrastructure stream) have the highest approval rates — new processing lines, cold storage upgrades, automated grading systems, and vessel monitoring technology are proven winners. The Nova Scotia provincial contact ([email protected], 902-424-3036) recommends submitting a project concept to the provincial partner for feedback before the full federal application. Indigenous applicants may qualify for higher cost-share ratios. The program has funded 1,244 direct projects and 3,500+ through third-party organizations, so there is significant institutional experience with what gets approved. The fund's March 2026 expiry means remaining funds are being allocated rapidly — apply immediately if you have an eligible project. Renewal negotiations are underway but terms are unknown.
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Success Profile
A PEI shellfish processing company with 15 employees investing $300,000 in automated grading and cold chain equipment, receiving 80% ($240,000) from AFF. Or a Nova Scotia industry association partnering with Dalhousie University on a $1.5M lobster sustainability research project, receiving 75% from AFF and 25% from industry partners. Or a Newfoundland fish harvester upgrading vessel monitoring and catch handling systems for $120,000, receiving 80% ($96,000).
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Evaluation Criteria
Projects assessed on alignment with three priority streams: Innovation (new products, technologies, processes), Infrastructure Modernization (equipment and technology adoption for sustainability and efficiency), and Science Partnerships (industry-academia collaboration). Key factors: demonstrated benefit to Atlantic Canada's fish and seafood sector, project feasibility, applicant capacity to deliver, financial viability, environmental sustainability, innovation or modernization impact, and job creation/retention potential.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 11
Eligible Expenses 15
- New equipment and technology for fish harvesting, aquaculture, or processing (the strongest approval category)
- Cold storage and refrigeration systems
- Automated grading and sorting equipment
- Vessel monitoring and catch handling technology
- Processing line modernization and packaging equipment
- Traceability and quality assurance software and hardware
- Product development and new product prototyping
- Pilot projects testing innovative technologies or processes
- Research and development of new fishing or aquaculture technologies
- Science partnership collaboration costs with universities and research institutions
- Training costs directly related to the adoption of new technology or processes
- Marketing studies and export development activities for seafood products
- Environmental sustainability improvements (bycatch reduction, fuel efficiency, waste reduction)
- Live product storage systems
- Professional and consulting fees directly related to the project (reasonable proportion)
Ineligible Expenses 11
- Land acquisition
- Used or refurbished equipment (new equipment only for infrastructure stream)
- Routine maintenance, repairs, or replacement of existing equipment with equivalent
- Working capital, operating expenses, or consumables not directly tied to the project
- Debt servicing or refinancing
- HST/GST amounts for which input tax credits can be claimed
- Costs incurred before the contribution agreement is signed
- Costs related to activities outside Atlantic Canada (NL, NS, NB, PE)
- Salaries for existing staff performing regular duties (incremental project-specific staff costs may be eligible)
- Lobbying or government relations activities
- Entertainment and hospitality costs
Intake Periods
Continuous intake — applications accepted year-round until fiscal year allocation is exhausted. No fixed deadline. Program extended to March 31, 2026. Federal government launched negotiations for a 5-year renewal in March 2026, but new terms are not finalized. Apply immediately — remaining funds from the current program are being allocated rapidly.
Deadline Notes
Program originally ran 2017-2024, extended 2 years to March 31, 2026. All funded projects must be completed by March 31, 2026. Approximately $35M remained at the time of extension (~10% of total program). Federal government announced intent to negotiate renewal with Atlantic provinces as of March 2026, but terms are not finalized. Applications accepted until available funding for the fiscal year is allocated. Acknowledgement of receipt within 5 business days of submission.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Organizations not located in Atlantic Canada (NL, NS, NB, PE)
- Organizations outside the fish, seafood, or aquaculture sector
- Federal government departments (excluding DFO as the administering body)
- Organizations unable to demonstrate direct benefit to the Atlantic fish and seafood sector
- Organizations with outstanding compliance issues from prior federal contribution agreements
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How Atlantic Fisheries Fund Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Fisheries Fund | Up to 75-80% of admissible... | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing — continuous... |
| Atlantic Investment Tax Credit (AITC) | 10% of cost of | Easy | Tax Credit Offset | Ongoing |
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $50,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Annual intake window.... |
| Export Development Canada (EDC) Finan... | Varies | Easy | Equity | Ongoing |
| Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Financing | Varies | Easy | Loan | Ongoing |
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