Closed
Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund
Supports aquatic ecosystem restoration projects
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : July 19, 2022
- Closing date : March 31, 2023
Location
Canada
Overview
The Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund provides $75 million over 5 years to support aquatic restoration projects. It funds work that restores coastal and marine environments, including habitat rehabilitation, planning, education, and community capacity building.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : July 19, 2022
- Closing date : March 31, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Restoration and rehabilitation of aquatic habitats and ecosystems in coastal and marine areas.
- Projects addressing the root causes of impacts on aquatic environments, such as restoring connectivity or mitigating barriers.
- Initiatives that align with or support the creation of watershed or regionally specific restoration plans for important aquatic habitats.
- Activities that address and mitigate the impacts of climate change on regional fisheries and aquatic habitats.
- Education, training, and outreach projects that build local community capacity and promote awareness of aquatic ecosystem conservation.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Community-based organizations
- Academic researchers or institutions
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for staff involved in aquatic restoration projects.
- Costs for equipment and materials essential to restoration and rehabilitation of aquatic habitats.
- Expenses related to skills development, training, and education in aquatic restoration techniques.
- Consulting fees for technical expertise or project management.
- Outreach and educational materials to raise awareness about aquatic habitat protection.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Québec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Selection criteria
- Project benefits to biological and ecological services (ecosystem values).
- Alignment with the program’s basic requirements (technical or program specifics).
- Relevance to program priorities (strategic value).
- Inclusion of Indigenous partners in the development, design, and implementation of the project.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review Program Documentation
- Consult the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF) program description for eligibility and objectives.
- Assess the selection criteria and priority areas for funding.
- Step 2: Prepare Project Proposal
- Develop a detailed project proposal, ensuring it addresses ecosystem values, program requirements, and strategic priorities.
- Engage Indigenous and community partners as required.
- Step 3: Gather Supporting Documentation
- Collect all relevant supporting documents such as project plans, budgets, letters of support, and evidence of engagement with Indigenous organizations.
- Step 4: Contact Regional Office
- Email the appropriate provincial or territorial office using the contacts provided (e.g., DFO.QUE.AERF-QUE.FREA.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca for Québec).
- Confirm the latest guidelines and submission process, as procedures may vary locally.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Send your completed application and all supporting materials by email to the appropriate AERF office.
- Step 6: Await Confirmation
- Await acknowledgment from Fisheries and Oceans Canada regarding receipt of your application.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed against project assessment criteria.
- Applicants are notified of the funding decision after review.
- The program may acknowledge receipt of applications and other requests.
- Applicants will be informed about the status of their proposal at the end of March 2023.
Additional information
- The Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund (AERF) is a renewal and expansion of the former Coastal Restoration Fund (CRF).
- The fund prioritizes engagement and collaboration with Indigenous groups for project development and implementation.
- The AERF builds on regional expertise and incorporates input from public consultations and virtual engagement sessions.
- The program also aims to support socio-economic benefits such as capacity building and outreach.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund Program
What is the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund?
The Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund provides $75 million over 5 years to support aquatic restoration projects. It funds work that restores coastal and marine environments, including habitat rehabilitation, planning, education, and community capacity building.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 31, 2023.
Who is eligible for the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund program?
To be eligible for the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund program, you must:
Open to Indigenous organizations, non-profit and community-based organizations, and academic researchers or institutions.
Projects must focus on protection or restoration of aquatic/coastal environments.
Inclusion of Indigenous partners in project development and implementation is prioritized.
What expenses are eligible under Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund?
Restoration and rehabilitation of aquatic habitats and ecosystems in coastal and marine areas.
Projects addressing the root causes of impacts on aquatic environments, such as restoring connectivity or mitigating barriers.
Initiatives that align with or support the creation of watershed or regionally specific restoration plans for important aquatic habitats.
Activities that address and mitigate the impacts of climate change on regional fisheries and aquatic habitats.
Education, training, and outreach projects that build local community capacity and promote awareness of aquatic ecosystem conservation.
Who can I contact for more information about the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) by email at DFO.AERF-FREA.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Where is the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund available?
The Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund is a Grant and Funding