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Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund - Canada
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Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund

Supports restoration and protection of aquatic and marine habitats
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
  • Open Date : July 19, 2022
  • Closing date : March 31, 2023
Location
Canada

Overview

The Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund provides up to $75 million over five years to support projects that restore aquatic ecosystems and address human impacts on Canadian coastal and marine environments. Eligible activities include habitat restoration, climate change mitigation, skills development, public education, and engagement with Indigenous and community-based organizations.
/100
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
  • No Condition
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.

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

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

DFO.AERF-FREA.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Frequently Asked Questions about the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund?

The Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund provides up to $75 million over five years to support projects that restore aquatic ecosystems and address human impacts on Canadian coastal and marine environments. Eligible activities include habitat restoration, climate change mitigation, skills development, public education, and engagement with Indigenous and community-based organizations.

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

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