Aquaculture Loan Program

Aquaculture loans are available to support you in starting, expanding, or purchasing an aquaculture business. We tailor loans to match the cycles of your business. We understand what it takes to make your business grow.

Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture

Overview of the Aquaculture Loan Program program:

This product is designed for the development of aquaculture where a long-range approach to cash flow generation is required. For example, most new shellfish projects will not see cash flow generation for four years from start-up. In these situations, we will consider applications for interest-only payments with a final repayment when the product is sold. This loan could, for example, be amortized over four years, with a full and final payment at in the final year. Since farmed finfish typically can be sold sooner than shellfish, we can reduce the timelines of repayment so that it matches your income stream. The Aquaculture Loan product is typically secured by the assets you are acquiring. For instance, if you are purchasing seed stock, the swimming inventory can be pledged. Or, if you are purchasing cages and equipment, those items may be pledged. The Security takes the form of a General Security Agreement over personal property. A Collateral Mortgage, or Continuing Collateral Mortgage, is used in the case where real estate is required.

Benefits of the Aquaculture Loan Program program:

The provided loans may be used for such things as salmonoid seed stock, shellfish seed, collection materials, grow-out equipment, rafts, floatation devices, anchors, nets, cages, and small boats.Financing cannot be used for motor vehicles, real estate, or feed.

Eligibility criteria of the Aquaculture Loan Program program:

Applications will be considered from active fishers, aquaculturists, seafood processors, and boat builders as well as those looking to get into or get back into the industry.