Ghost Gear Fund to Reduce Marine Plastic and Fishing Gear Waste (Canada)

Deadline: 29-Jun-2026

The Ghost Gear Fund supports projects that help prevent, retrieve, recycle, and responsibly dispose of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in marine environments across Canada and internationally. The programme is part of Canada’s broader strategy to reduce marine plastic pollution and strengthen sustainable fisheries management.

Funding supports innovative technologies, ghost gear retrieval initiatives, recycling systems, public awareness, and sustainable fishing practices that protect marine ecosystems and reduce ghost fishing impacts.

Focus Areas

Ghost Gear Retrieval and Prevention

Projects may support:

• Retrieval of abandoned fishing gear
• Prevention of ghost fishing
• Marine litter reduction
• Fishing gear tracking and management
• Retrieval capacity building

Sustainable Fishing and Innovation

Supported activities include:

• Development of innovative fishing technologies
• Sustainable fishing practices
• Fisheries management improvements
• Gear modification and innovation
• Habitat protection and management

Recycling and Disposal Infrastructure

The programme encourages:

• Recycling systems for end-of-life fishing gear
• Disposal and collection infrastructure
• Processing systems for marine waste
• Circular economy approaches for fishing equipment

Public Engagement and Policy Development

Projects may also focus on:

• Public outreach and education
• Community engagement
• Skills training
• Collaborative planning
• Policy analysis and development

Funding Details

• Total programme allocation: $15 million
• Funding period: 2026–2027 to 2028–2029
• Typical project funding: $50,000 to $500,000
• Recommended maximum funding: $500,000 per year
• Multi-year projects are eligible
• Annual funding depends on contribution agreements and yearly allocations

Projects must begin during the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit organizations
• Charitable organizations
• Companies and businesses
• Indigenous organizations and communities
• Research institutions
• Educational institutions
• Government agencies
• Individual applicants

International applicants are also eligible.

Indigenous Eligibility

Eligible Indigenous applicants may include:

• First Nations organizations
• Inuit organizations
• Métis organizations
• Indigenous governments
• Tribal councils
• Indigenous-led institutions
• Indigenous-owned corporations

Eligible Activities

The fund supports:

• Training and skills development
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Public education campaigns
• Technology research and development
• Sustainable fisheries initiatives
• Recycling and disposal infrastructure
• Ghost gear prevention programmes
• Community-based marine conservation projects

Retrieval projects are expected to operate mainly outside active fishing seasons.

Eligible Expenses

Eligible costs may include:

• Salaries and labour
• Professional services
• Recycling and disposal costs
• Travel expenses
• Insurance
• Equipment purchase or rental
• Infrastructure and construction
• Monitoring and reporting
• Software and communications
• Administrative overhead up to 15%
• Ceremonial costs for Indigenous groups

Additional pre-approved expenses may also be considered.

Why This Fund Matters

Ghost fishing gear is a major source of marine plastic pollution and can harm:

• Marine wildlife
• Fish habitats
• Coastal ecosystems
• Fisheries sustainability

The Ghost Gear Fund supports practical solutions that improve:

• Ocean conservation
• Sustainable fisheries
• Marine ecosystem protection
• Community participation in environmental action

The programme also strengthens innovation and international collaboration in marine waste management.

How to Apply

Applicants should:

1. Develop a project focused on ghost gear prevention, retrieval, recycling, or innovation
2. Prepare a detailed work plan and implementation strategy
3. Build partnerships with fisheries, communities, or Indigenous organizations where relevant
4. Develop a realistic project budget
5. Explain environmental and community impact
6. Submit the application according to programme guidelines

Strong applications should demonstrate:

• Environmental benefits
• Feasibility and sustainability
• Community engagement
• Innovation and scalability
• Clear monitoring and reporting plans

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak project implementation plans
• Limited environmental impact explanation
• Incomplete budgets
• Lack of stakeholder partnerships
• Poor monitoring or evaluation methods

FAQ

What is the total funding available?

The programme has allocated $15 million over three fiscal years.

How much funding can projects receive?

Typical project funding ranges from $50,000 to $500,000.

Are multi-year projects eligible?

Yes, both single-year and multi-year projects are supported.

Can international organizations apply?

Yes, applicants from Canada and internationally are eligible.

Are Indigenous organizations eligible?

Yes, Indigenous governments, organizations, and Indigenous-owned corporations are eligible.

What types of activities are supported?

The fund supports ghost gear retrieval, recycling infrastructure, training, innovation, policy development, public outreach, and sustainable fishing initiatives.

Conclusion

The Ghost Gear Fund 2026–2029 provides major support for organizations and communities working to reduce marine plastic pollution and improve sustainable fisheries management. By funding retrieval, recycling, innovation, and prevention initiatives, the programme helps protect marine ecosystems while promoting long-term environmental sustainability and ocean conservation.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.