How ghost gear funding helps reduce marine pollution in Canada

How ghost gear funding helps reduce marine pollution in Canada

Lost and abandoned fishing gear is one of the most damaging forms of marine pollution in Canada’s oceans and waterways. Traps, nets, and lines can keep catching fish for years, harming ecosystems and coastal livelihoods. Ghost gear funding helps tackle this problem by paying for the recovery, recycling, and prevention of this equipment before it causes long-term damage.

The federal Ghost Gear Fund plays a key role in this effort. It is a national program that supports practical, on-the-water solutions. These projects reduce marine pollution and help protect fish stocks.

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How the Ghost Gear Fund works

The Ghost Gear Fund is administered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). It provides non-repayable federal funding for projects that address abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear—often called “ghost gear”.

What the fund supports

Ghost gear funding focuses on three main areas:

• Gear retrieval and clean-up

  • Locating and removing abandoned fishing gear from oceans, rivers, and coastal areas
  • Projects may include vessel time, dive teams, and specialized recovery equipment

• Recycling and responsible disposal

  • Transporting recovered gear to approved recycling or disposal facilities
  • Supporting pilot programs that turn old fishing gear into new products

• Prevention and innovation

  • Testing gear-tracking technology and marking systems
  • Developing best practices that reduce future gear loss

These activities directly reduce marine pollution while improving safety for fishers and protecting sensitive habitats.

Who can apply

Eligibility varies by intake, but Ghost Gear Fund applicants typically include:

• Fishing and aquaculture organizations
• Not-for-profit and environmental groups
• Indigenous communities and organizations
• Academic and research institutions
• Other groups with demonstrated marine expertise

Private businesses may be eligible when working in partnership with an eligible organization or delivering a project with clear public benefits.

How much funding is available

There is no single fixed funding amount under the Ghost Gear Fund. Funding levels depend on:

• Project scope and environmental impact
• Location and type of gear involved
• Available federal budget for each intake

Some projects are small, community-led clean-ups, while others support multi-year, multi-partner initiatives. Funding does not need to be repaid if you meet project conditions.

Application timing and process

The Ghost Gear Fund does not always accept applications year-round. Intakes open and close based on federal priorities and available funding. When open, applicants must submit:

• A detailed project plan
• Environmental outcomes and expected results
• A clear budget and timeline

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and industry in seconds, especially if you are exploring environmental or fisheries-related funding beyond the Ghost Gear Fund.

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Why ghost gear funding matters for marine pollution

Ghost gear funding delivers measurable environmental benefits:

• Protects marine life by stopping entanglement of fish, seabirds, and marine mammals
• Improves fish stock health, supporting long-term sustainability for Canada’s fishing industry
• Reduces risks for vessels in busy waterways by removing hazards caused by lost fishing gear
• Supports coastal and Indigenous stewardship, creating local jobs tied to conservation work

By funding prevention as well as clean-up, ghost gear funding addresses pollution at its source—not just after damage is done.

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting for a permanent intake

  • The Ghost Gear Fund opens periodically. Missing an intake can mean waiting months or longer for the next opportunity.

• Underestimating project logistics

  • Recovery work often requires permits, safety planning, and specialized vessels. Weak planning can derail an otherwise strong application.

• Ignoring partnerships

  • Projects with Indigenous groups, fishing organizations, or municipalities often score higher due to broader impact.

• Assuming funding covers all costs

  • Some projects require matching funds or in-kind contributions. Always confirm cost-sharing expectations for each intake.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Ghost Gear Fund in Canada?
The Ghost Gear Fund is a federal program run by Fisheries and Oceans Canada that supports projects to retrieve, recycle, and prevent abandoned fishing gear. Its goal is to reduce marine pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems.

Q: Is Ghost Gear Fund funding repayable?
No. Funding provided through the Ghost Gear Fund is non-repayable, as long as recipients meet the program’s terms and reporting requirements.

Q: Is the Ghost Gear Fund currently open?
The program status can change. Intakes open periodically, so it’s important to check current availability through Fisheries and Oceans Canada or a grant tracking platform.

Q: How much funding can a project receive?
Funding amounts vary by project and intake. There is no fixed maximum listed, and awards depend on scope, impact, and available federal funding.

Q: Are Ghost Gear Fund grants taxable in Canada?
Grant funding may be considered taxable income, depending on how your organization is structured and how funds are used. It’s best to confirm with an accountant familiar with government funding.

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See also

• What expenses are covered by fisheries science and innovation grants in Canada?
• How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules

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Next steps

Ghost gear funding plays a critical role in reducing marine pollution while supporting sustainable fisheries across Canada. If your organization works in marine conservation, fisheries, or environmental clean-up, it’s worth exploring how this and similar programs fit your plans. GrantHub tracks active federal and provincial grant programs across Canada—check which ones match your organization’s profile and project goals.