Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation

For Atlantic Canadian fish and seafood businesses facing pressure to modernize, improve sustainability, and compete in global markets, innovation has become less of a choice and more of a necessity. The Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation was created to help the sector respond to growing international demand by supporting the development of higher-value, higher-quality products and more efficient ways of bringing them to market. Delivered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, this program focuses on strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the region’s harvesting, processing, and aquaculture industries.

The Innovation stream is geared toward projects that move ideas into action. Businesses and sector partners can receive non-repayable funding support to research and develop new technologies, pilot and test innovative processes, or introduce new products to commercial markets. The program also places strong emphasis on collaboration, encouraging partnerships between industry, researchers, and academic institutions to improve scientific knowledge and accelerate innovation. Funding amounts vary by project, but support can be substantial for initiatives that demonstrate clear economic benefits for Atlantic Canada.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until annual funding is fully committed, with new intake periods opening in subsequent fiscal years. For fisheries and seafood businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, this program may offer a meaningful opportunity to invest in innovation and future growth, making it worth exploring the full details to see how your project could align.