Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was March 31, 2023.

Q: Is the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund?

Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund is funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: Where is the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund available?

The Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund program is available across Canada.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund program.

Last Update: September 29, 2025

Canada

Supports restoration and protection of aquatic and marine habitats

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : July 19, 2022
Closing date : March 31, 2023

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Funds Providers

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Program status

Closed

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.

Financing terms and conditions

The Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund provides a total envelope of $75 million over 5 years to support eligible restoration projects.

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 73,000

Indigenous-led eelgrass restoration supporting coastal food networks

$ 74,800

Regional plan for shellfish restoration with workshops and mapping

$ 69,000

Youth coastal stewardship program with hands-on habitat restoration

$ 74,500

Restoring salt marsh habitat to improve local marine biodiversity

$ 70,000

Barrier removal to restore fish passage in urban watershed creek

$ 73,500

Community wetland restoration for flood mitigation and climate resilience

Eligibility

The applicant must be an Indigenous organization, non-profit or community-based organization, or academic researcher or institution.
The project must support the restoration or rehabilitation of aquatic habitats in Canadian coastal and marine environments.
The project should address the root causes of impacts on aquatic ecosystems and align with regional or watershed restoration priorities.
Projects are encouraged to involve Indigenous partners in their development, design, or implementation.

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

Review program guidelines and eligibility

Review the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund program description and objectives
Assess eligibility by verifying organizational type and project alignment with program priorities
Study selection criteria and priority areas for funding

Prepare and develop project proposal

Prepare a comprehensive project proposal addressing the program's priorities
Include ecosystem values, technical details, and strategic value
Ensure Indigenous partner involvement where applicable

Submit project proposal

Submit the completed project proposal by the program deadline
Ensure all required documentation is included

Await funding decision

Wait for funding decision notification from program administrators
Applicants will be informed about the status of their proposal at the specified time

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

Canada

Apply to this program

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?

How much funding can be received?

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.