The purpose of the Seafood Technology Adoption Program (S-TAP) is to help Seafood Companies in New Brunswick adopt new technologies or processes into their operations in order to increase productivity, product quality, and/or sustainability.

S-TAP is a temporary initiative that provides successful applicants a reimbursement of up to 75% of eligible costs upon project completion. Each eligible project has a funding limit of $99,900 and a reimbursement rate dependent on company size. Successful applicants must complete their project before January 1st, 2026. 

What is this program for?

The objective of this program is to increase the productivity, competitiveness, product quality, and sustainability of the Seafood Sector in New Brunswick.

Who can apply?

A commercial enterprise, including Indigenous Organizations, operating in the province of New Brunswick with its primary commercial activity in the Seafood Sector which include:

• Primary and/or secondary processing of seafood products sustainably harvested in Atlantic Canada,

• Aquaculture (land-based or marine),

• Harvesting of fish or crustacean approved for commercial fishery by DFO

Equipment manufacturers or services providers in New Brunswick may be considered for Research and Development.

What type of projects can supported?

The projects eligible for support under the Program are:

• The adoption of new technologies, and/or equipment for use in your existing facility or operations.

• The adaptation or piloting of new technologies and/or equipment new to the Seafood Sector in New Brunswick.

• Research and Development of new technologies, processes, and/or equipment.

The proposed project needs to clearly demonstrate it is meeting the objective of the Program. Adaptation and Research and Development projects are subject to additional review.

What costs can be reimbursed?

The costs that can be reimbursed by the program is dependent on the type of projects. Here are a common examples :

• Adoption of new production technology projects:

  • Acquisition and installation related costs

  • Training provided by the equipment manufacturer or supplier.

• Adaptation or piloting of new technology projects:

  • Same as above plus

  • Professional, technical or other contracted services required to adapt the technology to specific operational needs.

• Research and Development projects:

  • Same as above plus

  • Incremental capital and operational costs related to the development of new equipment, processes, or technologies such as salaries and wages and materials required for prototypes.

• Harvesting and catch related projects: Subject to relevant regulations the following examples can be considered

  • Acquisition of innovative fishing gear

  • Acquisition of fishing gear for new or emerging fishery

  • Acquisition and installation of innovative on-vessel catch holding or handling

  • Acquisition of innovative on-land catch holding and handling

  • Acquisition and installation of innovative on-vessel productivity enhancing equipment or technology

  • Acquisition and installation of on-vessel sustainability enhancing equipment such as rope-safe stabilizers, rope-safe propulsion, or emission reduction systems

How to apply?

Submit your application by clicking on your local CBDC below or by contacting your representative.

The S-TAP program is funded by the Atlantic Fisheries Fund

• CBDC Chaleur or (506) 548-5951
• CBDC Charlotte-Kings or (506) 466-5055
• CBDC Kent or (506) 743-2422
• CBDC Madawaska or (506) 737-8925
• CBDC Northumberland or (506) 778-2121
• CBDC Péninsule acadienne or (506) 395-9700
• CBDC Restigouche or (506) 753-3344
• CBDC Victoria Madawaska-South or (506) 473-6446
• CBDC Southwest or (506) 454-2747
• CBDC Westmorland Albert or (506) 532-8312