A CAD 400 million (USD 322.2 million, EUR 270.8 million) federal fund to foster innovation in Atlantic Canada’s seafood sector is now accepting applications.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) will focus on growing opportunities and increasing the market value for sustainably sourced, high-quality seafood products from Atlantic Canada.
Investments flowing from the fund will position the fish and seafood sector in Atlantic Canada for long-term sustainable growth and will support continued industry efforts to provide consumers with high-quality, sustainable Canadian seafood, said Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The AFF is now accepting applications from proponents in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. The commercial fisheries and aquaculture industry, indigenous groups, universities and academia and industry associations and organizations, including research institutions, may apply.
To be eligible, projects must focus on:
• Innovation – to support research and development of new innovations that contribute to the sustainability of the seafood sector, and to create partnerships and networks that aim to promote and encourage innovations in the sector
• Infrastructure – to adapt new technologies, processes or equipment to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the seafood sector
• Science partnerships – fisheries and aquaculture industry based partnerships with academia and institutions to enhance knowledge and understanding of the impacts of changing oceanographic conditions and sustainable harvesting technology
In the coming weeks and months, the Government of Canada and Atlantic provincial governments will engage with industry participants, indigenous groups, non-government organizations and the science and academic communities. This engagement will continue throughout the life of the program and will inform investment priorities and identify opportunities and potential partners.
