Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships Stream: How to Apply

Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships Stream: How to Apply

If your organization works in fisheries science or applied research in Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships Stream can help cover the cost of collaborative research projects. This federal program supports science that improves sustainability, productivity, and resilience in Canada’s fish and seafood sector, especially in response to ecosystem and climate change. The fund is delivered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and is currently open to eligible applicants.

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How the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships Stream Works

The Science Partnerships Stream is one of three funding streams under the Atlantic Fisheries Fund. It focuses on applied science projects that support the commercial fishery, seafood processing, and aquaculture sectors in Atlantic Canada.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• 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
• Propose a project that delivers clear economic or sustainability benefits to the Atlantic region

Eligible applicants commonly include:

• Fisheries and aquaculture businesses
• Industry associations and producer groups
• Indigenous organizations involved in fisheries
• Research institutions and not-for-profits (as project partners or leads)

Partnerships are strongly encouraged, and many successful applications include multiple industry and research partners working together.

What Types of Projects Are Funded

The Science Partnerships Stream supports science-based projects that have practical, on-the-water or in-plant applications. Funded activities often include:

• Research on ecosystem shifts and climate impacts on fish stocks and distribution
• Development of sustainable harvesting or aquaculture technologies
• Collaborative science initiatives that improve fisheries management decisions
• Data collection and analysis that supports commercial fisheries performance

Projects must show how the results will benefit the broader industry, not just a single organization.

How Much Funding Is Available

The program does not publish a fixed maximum funding amount. Instead:

• Funding levels vary based on project scope, duration, and impact
• Contributions are typically non-repayable
• Cost-sharing is common, meaning applicants may need to contribute cash or in-kind support

Funding decisions are made case by case, based on value for money and expected regional benefits.

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How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Applying to the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships Stream involves more planning than a standard business grant.

1. Develop your project concept
   Clearly define the science question, industry problem, and expected outcomes. Projects should be applied, not purely academic.

2. Build your partnerships
   Identify industry, academic, or Indigenous partners early. Strong partnerships are a key assessment factor.

3. Contact DFO before submitting
   DFO encourages applicants to speak with program staff before submitting a formal application. This helps confirm eligibility and project fit.

4. Prepare your application package
   This typically includes:

   • A detailed project description
   • Budget and funding sources
   • Partner roles and letters of support
   • Timeline and milestones

5. Submit through DFO’s intake process
   Intake periods can vary. Applications are assessed based on scientific merit, feasibility, and industry benefit.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter fisheries and aquaculture programs by province and project type before you start preparing documents.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with a single-organization project
  Solo projects are less competitive. The program is designed for partnerships.

• Focusing on basic research only
  Projects must have clear commercial or industry applications.

• Weak explanation of industry benefits
  DFO looks for measurable outcomes that help the Atlantic fisheries sector as a whole.

• Underestimating project management requirements
  Science partnerships often require reporting, coordination, and data sharing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which provinces are eligible for the Science Partnerships Stream?
Only Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island are eligible under the Atlantic Fisheries Fund.

Q: Is the funding repayable?
No. Funding is typically provided as non-repayable contributions, provided project terms are met.

Q: Can multiple partners apply under one application?
Yes. Collaborative applications are encouraged and often strengthen your proposal.

Q: Are climate and ecosystem impact studies eligible?
Yes. Research into ecosystem changes, climate impacts, and fish stock shifts is a core focus of this stream.

Q: Is there a maximum grant amount?
There is no published cap. Funding depends on project scale, cost, and expected benefits.

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GrantHub lists hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including fisheries science and innovation funding. Checking which programs match your business or research profile can save weeks of trial and error.

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Next Steps

If you’re considering the Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Science Partnerships Stream, start by clarifying your project’s applied science outcomes and lining up the right partners. From there, reviewing similar fisheries science programs can help you benchmark your budget and scope.

You may also find these guides helpful:

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

With the right preparation, this program can play a key role in funding science that supports a stronger, more sustainable Atlantic fisheries sector.