Atlantic Fisheries Fund eligibility: Innovation vs infrastructure streams

Atlantic Fisheries Fund eligibility: Innovation vs infrastructure streams

If you work in fishing, seafood processing, or aquaculture in Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) can help cover major project costs. The challenge is knowing whether your project fits the Innovation stream or the Infrastructure stream. Each stream supports different types of activities. Choosing the wrong one is a common reason applications stall or get declined.

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Understanding the two Atlantic Fisheries Fund streams

The Atlantic Fisheries Fund is delivered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and supports projects that improve productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in the fish and seafood sector. It applies only to Atlantic Canada and is split into distinct funding streams, including Innovation and Infrastructure.

Who can apply (applies to both streams)

To be eligible under either stream, you must:

• Be located in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island
• Be active in, or directly support, the fish and seafood harvesting, processing, or aquaculture sectors
• Show that your project delivers clear economic benefits to the Atlantic region

Eligible applicants often include:

• Commercial fishing enterprises
• Seafood processors
• Aquaculture companies
• Industry associations
• Research and not-for-profit organizations working with industry

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Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Innovation stream eligibility

The Innovation stream supports projects that test, develop, or introduce new ideas, technologies, or processes in the fish and seafood sector.

Projects that fit the Innovation stream

Your project is likely a good fit if it focuses on:

• Research and development of new products or processes
• Pilot projects or trials to test new technology or methods
• Commercialization activities to bring an innovation to market
• Partnerships or networks that support innovation across the sector

Examples include:

• Testing automated grading or sorting technology in a processing plant
• Developing new aquaculture feed or production methods
• Piloting digital monitoring tools for vessels or farms

Funding is typically provided as a non-repayable contribution, with the amount depending on project scope and applicant type rather than a fixed maximum.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether your project activities align better with Innovation or Infrastructure before you apply.

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Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Infrastructure stream eligibility

The Infrastructure stream focuses on physical assets and upgrades that support innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

Projects that fit the Infrastructure stream

Your project may belong here if it involves:

• Construction, expansion, or modernization of facilities
• Purchase and installation of major equipment or machinery
• Infrastructure that enables adoption of new or improved processes

Examples include:

• Upgrading a seafood processing facility to support new product lines
• Installing energy-efficient equipment that improves production capacity
• Building infrastructure needed to support new aquaculture systems

Like the Innovation stream, Infrastructure funding is project-based and assessed on economic impact and alignment with AFF objectives, not on a published maximum grant amount.

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Innovation vs infrastructure: a quick comparison

Choose the Innovation stream if:

• The main goal is testing or developing something new
• Outcomes are uncertain or experimental
• Success depends on learning, data, or prototypes

Choose the Infrastructure stream if:

• The project centres on physical assets or facilities
• The technology or process is already proven
• The goal is scaling or implementing innovation

If your project includes both elements, DFO may ask you to clearly separate activities by stream during assessment.

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Common mistakes to avoid

1. Applying to the wrong stream
   Projects focused mainly on equipment or buildings are often rejected under Innovation.

2. Being vague about innovation
   Saying a project is “new” is not enough. You must explain what is new to your operation or the sector.

3. Ignoring regional benefits
   Applications that do not clearly show benefits to Atlantic Canada are weaker.

4. Assuming funding amounts are fixed
   AFF does not publish standard grant caps. Budget and impact matter more than size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can one project include both innovation and infrastructure activities?
Yes. Some projects include both, but you may need to clearly separate costs and activities by stream during review. DFO assesses whether each part fits the right stream.

Q: Are seafood processors and aquaculture companies both eligible?
Yes. Harvesting, processing, and aquaculture businesses are all eligible if they meet regional and project criteria.

Q: Is Atlantic Fisheries Fund funding repayable?
Funding is typically provided as non-repayable contributions, not loans. Terms depend on your contribution agreement.

Q: How much funding can I receive?
There is no fixed maximum. Funding depends on project scope, costs, and expected economic benefits.

Q: Are AFF grants taxable income?
In most cases, government grants are considered taxable. Speak with your accountant to understand how this applies to your business.

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See also

• How to Qualify for Fisheries Science and Innovation Funding in Canada
• Whale-Safe Fishing Gear Funding: How It Works in Canadian Fisheries
• What expenses are covered by fisheries science and innovation grants in Canada?

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Next steps

Choosing the right Atlantic Fisheries Fund stream early can save weeks of back-and-forth with program officers. GrantHub tracks active fisheries and aquaculture grant programs across Canada, including both AFF streams, and helps you check eligibility based on your province, sector, and project type before you apply. Start your eligibility check with GrantHub today.