Oyster Licence Retirement Grant Program

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has launched the Oyster Licence Retirement Grant Program to support commercial wild oyster harvesters who have been affected by significant oyster losses caused by the spread of the Multinucleate Sphere Unknown (MSX) and Dermo diseases in Atlantic Canada.

This is a time-limited, voluntary program. The application period is open from September 1 to November 30, 2026. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program provides a financial grant to eligible harvesters who choose to permanently retire the oyster fishing licences they hold. It is intended to help harvesters transition out of the fishery while supporting the recovery of wild oyster stocks that have been severely impacted by the diseases.

Active commercial wild oyster licence holders who meet the program eligibility and apply will receive a $40,000 grant in exchange for the permanent retirement of their current access (licence and/or permit) to the oyster fishery.

To be eligible, you must:

• currently hold a renewable wild oyster licence/permit and/or a renewable mollusk unspecified permit
• demonstrate an annual wild oyster revenue of at least $3,600 for the year of your choosing over 2023-2025
• demonstrate a 50% or more fishing income dependency on wild oyster for the year chosen

If your application is approved, you will need to sign an agreement before receiving the grant. This agreement confirms that you agree to permanently retire all of your commercial oyster licences including your current oyster licence and/or permit, and that you will not seek to be issued or to lease a new oyster fishing licence or permit for 10 years.

You will be asked to upload supporting documents that demonstrate your (1) oyster revenue and (2) total fishing revenue for the year of your choosing over 2023-2025. Please have the following information ready before you begin the application process:

• sales records
• records of employment
• income-related documentation
• fisher identification number (FIN)

The grant is taxable and it is your duty to report the grant amount to the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax purposes. Failure to do so may trigger penalties under the Income Tax Act. Please consult with your accountant or a tax expert on how to report this grant.

Apply now: Oyster Licence Retirement Grant Program application form

Help can be sought at DFO.MSXSupport-SupportMSX.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or 1-855-634-2355.

If you would like to review your application after submission, please contact the support email or phone number as listed above.

Privacy notice

As per the Oyster Licence Retirement Grant Program (DFO PPU 800), personal information is collected under the authority of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Act, R.S. 1985, c. F-15, Section 4 and the Atlantic Fisheries Restructuring Act, R.S. 1985, c. A-14, Section 5, for the purpose of administering grant and contribution initiatives, including receiving and assessing funding applications, determining eligibility, entering into and managing funding agreements, issuing and administering payments, monitoring compliance with program terms and conditions, and communicating with applicants and recipients. The information will be used for grant program planning, administration, public and internal reporting, audit and evaluation. Failure to provide the required personal information may result in an application not being assessed, delays in processing, or funding not being issued. You have the right to the correction of, access to, and protection of your personal information under the Privacy Act and to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada over DFO’s handling of your information.