Sustainable Fisheries Solutions & Retrieval Support Contribution Program (Ghost Gear Fund)

Overview

The Ghost Gear Fund supports Canadians in their actions to reduce abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ghost gear). Activities include projects by third parties to retrieve ghost gear during closed fishing times, solutions for the disposal of fishing related plastic waste and ghost gear, acquiring and piloting of innovative gear technology for use in Canadian fisheries, and supporting international work in high-risk areas to reduce ghost gear.

The Program consists of $8.3 million over 2 years (2020-2022) to support projects that fall under four themes:

• Ghost gear retrieval
• Responsible disposal
• Acquisition and piloting of currently available innovative gear technology
• International leadership

Who can apply

Eligible recipients under the Ghost Gear Fund include:

• not-for-profit and charitable organizations, Canadian or International
• companies, businesses, organizations, associations, Canadian or International
• Indigenous organizations/communities
• recognized research, academic, and educational institutions
• other levels of government and their agencies or crown corporations
• Canadian individuals

Application process

Applying to the Ghost Gear Fund involves two stages; the optional expression of interest (EOI) stage, and the proposal application stage. The submission of an EOI is not mandatory, but is encouraged for applicants that have not previously received funding from Fisheries and Oceans Canada or are concerned with their proposal aligning with the objectives of the Fund. Only the project proposal stage is mandatory to secure funding.

Step 1: Submitting an expression of interest (optional)
EOIs will be reviewed to ensure they meet the minimum requirements of the Fund and applicants will be provided with feedback on the proposed project. The intent is to offer guidance on project proposals and confirm if the project aligns with the priorities set out under the Ghost Gear Fund.

• Deadline: February 20, 2020 by 23:59pm PST
• EOIs should be submitted by email to: DFO.GGFund-Fonddesef.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

 Step 2: Submitting a project proposal
The second stage of the application process is a project proposal submitted through an application form. The submission of a proposal application is mandatory. Proposals must meet all of the program’s requirements to be considered for funding.

• Deadline: April 1, 2020 by 23:59pm PST
• Project proposals must be submitted by email to: DFO.GGFund-Fonddesef.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

More information on Sustainable Fisheries Solutions and Retrieval Support Contribution Program (Ghost Gear Fund) and application process can be found on our website: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/mammals-mammiferes/ghostgear-equipementfantome/program-programme/apply-appliquer-eng.html

February 2020