Oceans of
Opportunity

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Invests $18M in New Ocean Innovation Projects

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced five new ocean innovation projects worth more than $18 million at the 2025 H2O Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia—an announcement that marks a significant step forward in advancing sustainable growth, technological innovation, and collaboration across Canada’s blue economy.

The projects range from next-generation ship bearings and genomics-driven aquaculture to sustainable feed alternatives and autonomous ocean technologies. Together, they represent another step toward achieving Ambition 2035, Canada’s strategy to significantly expand the ocean economy while fostering environmental stewardship and global competitiveness.

Cleaner Smoother Natural Ship Bearings Project – $4.5 million

Led by Hydro Tech Inc., this project focuses on modernizing traditional marine engineering by developing cleaner, smoother natural ship bearings. The goal is to enhance vessel efficiency, reduce maintenance needs, and lower environmental impacts through sustainable material innovation.

Enhancing Aquaculture Productivity with Environmental Genomics – $2.9 million

Led by eDNAtec, this initiative applies advanced environmental genomics to improve sustainability and productivity in salmon aquaculture. By analyzing DNA traces in ocean environments, the project will help farmers monitor ecosystem health and make data-driven management decisions.

Microbial Protein for Sustainable Aquaculture Project – $7.2 million

This project explores the development of microbial protein as a sustainable alternative to traditional fish feed ingredients. By using biotechnology to produce protein from natural microbial processes, the initiative aims to reduce pressure on wild fisheries and advance a more circular, sustainable aquaculture industry.

Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) Enhanced Offshore Fishing – $1.1 million

Led by Babcock Canada, this project leverages uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) technology to collect benthic habitat data that supports sustainable commercial bottom fishing. By advancing the use of autonomous systems in fisheries science, the initiative will improve how marine environments are mapped and monitored—enhancing both resource management and environmental protection.

Atlantic Fisheries Fund: Driving Innovation and Sustainability in Canada’s Ocean Economy

The Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) is transforming Canada’s fish and seafood sector through a long-term investment in innovation, infrastructure, and scientific collaboration. Funded jointly by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, the seven-year, $400 million program supports projects that strengthen competitiveness while advancing sustainability across Atlantic Canada’s vital ocean industries.

Through its Atlantic component, the fund focuses on three strategic priorities:

Innovation: supporting the development of new products, technologies, and processes across harvesting, aquaculture, and seafood processing.

Infrastructure: encouraging the adoption of modern equipment and practices that improve environmental performance and resource efficiency.

Science Partnerships: fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and research organizations to advance ocean science and strengthen evidence-based decision-making.

Supporting Collaboration Across the Region

Eligible projects span Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, reflecting the program’s collaborative approach to regional development. The AFF also engages Indigenous organizations, non-governmental partners, and industry associations to identify shared opportunities and deliver projects that align economic growth with ocean stewardship.

Advancing Canada’s Blue Economy

By investing in people, technology, and knowledge, the Atlantic Fisheries Fund is helping ensure the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of Canada’s fish and seafood industries—supporting coastal communities and Canada’s broader vision for a thriving, sustainable blue economy.

Investing in PEI’s Maritime Future: Strengthening the Fish and Seafood Sector and Coastal Infrastructure

In 2024, the Province of Prince Edward Island, in collaboration with the Government of Canada, announced more than $68 million in new investments to strengthen the province’s fish and seafood industry and enhance critical coastal infrastructure. The initiatives aim to drive innovation, sustainability, and resilience across Prince Edward Island’s maritime economy.

Supporting PEI’s Fish and Seafood Industry

As part of the $400 million Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF), $7.6 million in joint federal–provincial funding has been allocated to 39 seafood companies across Prince Edward Island. The investment will help processors and harvesters adopt advanced technologies, improve product quality, and modernize production techniques to meet rising global demand for high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood.

Investing in Small Craft Harbours

Recognizing the essential role that small craft harbours play in coastal communities, the federal government also announced over $61 million over three years to repair and upgrade PEI’s harbour infrastructure. The funding—part of Budget 2024’s $463.3 million national investment—includes reconstruction and shoreline protection at key sites such as Covehead Harbour.

Together, these investments reinforce Prince Edward Island’s role as a leader in Canada’s ocean economy and ensure its coastal communities remain strong, sustainable, and ready for the future.