Closed
Source verified June 5, 2026
Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program
Supports Indigenous aquatic resource and oceans management capacity development
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Independent Indigenous organizations focused on aquatic resource and oceans management
See full eligibility
Overview
The Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management (AAROM) Program provides core funding to support Indigenous groups in developing and maintaining aquatic resource and oceans management departments, with activities ranging from fisheries and habitat management to scientific research and advisory services. While the exact maximum funding amount is not specified, eligible activities include collaborative ecosystem management, capacity building in science and technical fields, and participation in decision-making processes related to aquatic resources.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Establishing and maintaining Indigenous aquatic resource and oceans management departments.
- Conducting fisheries, habitat, and ocean science activities at the watershed or ecosystem level.
- Participating in advisory and co-management processes related to aquatic resources and oceans.
- Developing and enhancing collaborative management structures for integrated resource planning.
- Implementing capacity-building initiatives, including youth education and outreach in environmental management.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Independent Indigenous organizations focused on aquatic resource and oceans management
- Indigenous aggregate organizations developing or operating fisheries, habitat, science, and oceans management departments
Eligible expenses
- Core staffing salaries and operational costs for aquatic resource and oceans management departments.
- Capacity development activities, such as training and professional development for staff.
- Equipment and materials required to support scientific, technical, or advisory functions linked to aquatic resources and oceans management.
- Costs associated with research projects, stock assessments, and studies to gain knowledge for member Indigenous communities.
- Expenses related to the organization and participation in collaborative meetings, including annual National AAROM Meetings.
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
- Atlantic Canada/Quebec
- Northwest Territories
- Yukon
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact Regional AAROM Program Office
- Reach out to your regional AAROM program office to express your interest in the program and request detailed guidance on the application process.
- Obtain application materials and information specific to your region.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Gather required information about your organization and its aquatic resource and oceans management activities.
- Prepare documentation demonstrating your technical, scientific, and administrative capacity needs.
- Outline your proposed activities and objectives in alignment with AAROM program goals.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Follow instructions provided by your regional AAROM program office to submit the completed application and all supporting documents.
- Step 4: Await Feedback and Further Instructions
- Wait for confirmation or feedback from the AAROM program office regarding the status of your application.
- Respond to any requests for additional information or clarification, if necessary.
Additional information
- The AAROM program offers both core and stable funding for non-treaty based science and technical initiatives.
- The program supports capacity development through annual National AAROM Meetings and collaborative opportunities.
- The AAROM Innovation and Collaboration Fund was recently launched to further support ongoing capacity building across the AAROM network.
- AAROM department profiles and network updates are available on the AAROM Hub website, which regularly evolves and expands.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program Program
What is the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program?
The Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management (AAROM) Program provides core funding to support Indigenous groups in developing and maintaining aquatic resource and oceans management departments, with activities ranging from fisheries and habitat management to scientific research and advisory services. While the exact maximum funding amount is not specified, eligible activities include collaborative ecosystem management, capacity building in science and technical fields, and participation in decision-making processes related to aquatic resources.
Who is eligible for the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program program?
To be eligible for the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program program, you must:
Applicant must be an independent Indigenous organization
Must establish or maintain an aquatic resource and oceans management department
Focus on fisheries, habitat, science, or oceans related services
What expenses are eligible under Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program?
Establishing and maintaining Indigenous aquatic resource and oceans management departments.
Conducting fisheries, habitat, and ocean science activities at the watershed or ecosystem level.
Participating in advisory and co-management processes related to aquatic resources and oceans.
Developing and enhancing collaborative management structures for integrated resource planning.
Implementing capacity-building initiatives, including youth education and outreach in environmental management.
Who can I contact for more information about the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
Where is the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program available?
The Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program?
Aboriginal Aquatic Resource And Oceans Management (AAROM) Program is funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)