How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2025-12-05T23:59:59Z.

Who are the financial supporters of the Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA)?

Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA) is funded by Quebec Wildlife Foundation

What are Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA)'s eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be a legally constituted public or private organization involved in wildlife habitat conservation, enhancement, and management. Individuals are not eligible.

Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA)

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports aquatic habitat conservation, restoration, and improvement projects

Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA) at a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : January 1, 2025
Closing date : December 5, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Grant Providers

Quebec Wildlife Foundation

Program status

Open

Overview of the Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA) program

The Aquatic Habitat Quality Improvement (AQHA) program provides financial support covering up to 75% of eligible project costs to conserve, restore, or improve aquatic habitats for fish species of interest, with a focus on increasing wildlife productivity and biodiversity. Eligible activities include habitat planning and diagnostics, restoration works, knowledge transfer, and implementation of best management practices for aquatic environments.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum financial assistance can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs.
Funding may span up to 24 months depending on project priority.
Administrative and office expenses are eligible up to a maximum of 10% of total eligible expenses.
Expenses for species recolonization in new habitats are eligible up to 10% of the total project value.
Annual depreciation or rental costs for IT equipment are eligible up to a maximum of 33% of the equipment's value over three years from the purchase date.

Eligible projects & activities

Projects aiming to conserve, enhance, or restore the habitat of fish species important for recreational fishing.
Studies to diagnose aquatic habitat issues and develop recommendations for habitat improvement or restoration.
Implementation of habitat enhancement or restoration work, such as improving spawning areas or removing obstacles to fish migration.
Initiatives to restore original biodiversity, particularly projects addressing invasive fish species and supporting brook trout populations through approved methods.
Knowledge transfer activities, including educating stakeholders or users on protecting and restoring aquatic habitats through workshops, guides, or demonstration sites.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 18,000

Educating anglers on invasive species and habitat protection

$ 31,000

Removal of invasive fish and native species restocking program

$ 35,000

Enhancing brook trout habitat by restoring riparian vegetation

$ 24,000

Diagnostic study and action plan for urban stream restoration

$ 50,000

Installation of in-stream habitat structures for fish spawning

$ 40,000

Restoring fish passage by removing outdated culvert barriers

Eligibility criteria of the Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA) program

The applicant must be a legally constituted public or private organization engaged in the conservation, enhancement, or management of wildlife habitats (individuals are not eligible).
The proposed project must have a direct benefit for aquatic wildlife and target water bodies accessible to the public within Quebec (excluding federal lands and fishing ponds).
The project must be planned and supervised by qualified specialists in the relevant field.
The project should not involve significant problems arising from forestry, agricultural, or industrial activities.

Who is eligible?

Legally constituted public organizations engaged in wildlife habitat conservation and enhancement
Legally constituted private organizations engaged in wildlife habitat conservation and enhancement
Local or regional organizations involved in conservation or management of aquatic habitats
Non-profit organizations dedicated to the stewardship or restoration of aquatic environments
Municipal organizations involved in habitat conservation within Quebec

Who is not eligible

Individuals (private persons) cannot apply.
Businesses and organizations not legally constituted are not eligible.
Organizations based on or seeking to conduct projects on federal lands or in fishing ponds are not eligible.

Eligible expenses

Salaries and regular benefits related to project coordination, supervision, execution, and follow-up, including travel expenses.
Fees for specialists and expert consultants.
Administrative and office expenses (e.g., office rent, supplies, photocopying, phone, postage, accounting), up to 10% of total eligible expenses.
Rental or depreciation costs for computer equipment during the project, with annual depreciation up to 33% of equipment value (over three years from purchase date).
Purchase of materials, tools, and light equipment, as well as rental costs for machinery or equipment necessary for project completion.
Transportation costs and equipment installation directly related to project execution.
Expenses to accelerate the recolonization of a species in a newly enhanced habitat, limited to 10% of the total project value.
In-kind contributions such as volunteer work, equipment loans, or material donations, calculated at rates equal to or below regional standards.

Eligible geographic areas

Province of Quebec (excluding federal lands and fishing ponds)
Nordic territory of Quebec (north of the 49th parallel, the St. Lawrence River, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence) for specific funding streams

Eligibility criteria of the Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA) program

Completeness and clarity of the application, including provision of all required information and authorizations.
Degree of project planning, such as integration into watershed-scale planning and inclusion of knowledge transfer activities.
Proponent’s capacity to realize the project effectively.
Wildlife value: impact on the resource and its habitat, potential to increase fishing opportunities, and consideration of the presence of competing species.
Technical and financial feasibility, including leverage of funding from other sources and cost-benefit analysis.

How to apply to the Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA) program

Prepare project and eligibility confirmation

Review the AQHA program information document
Contact a program manager to confirm project eligibility
Identify the type of project and ensure alignment with program objectives

Complete application form and gather documents

Download and complete the AQHA application form
Gather all required supporting documents according to program guidelines
Ensure the resolution authorizing the signatory is prepared if needed

Verify completeness of application

Ensure all details on the application form are accurate and all sections are completed
Review supporting documents for completeness (e.g., charters, CVs, maps, diagnostic reports)
Check for any missing information or documents that could render application inadmissible

Submit application to the Foundation

Email the completed AQHA application form and all mandatory attachments to projets@fondationdelafaune.qc.ca
Submit before the 5 December deadline

Await funding decision

Wait for an evaluation of your application by the Foundation
Expect a response within approximately 3-4 months after submission

Additional information

The program gives priority to projects eligible for specific funds, such as those for Atlantic salmon, brook trout, and northern wildlife.
Applicants are encouraged to contact a program manager prior to submitting their application to validate project relevance and eligibility.
The project promoter is required to sign a protocol agreeing to the terms of the funding and must provide annual follow-up and maintenance reports for habitat developments funded by the Foundation for three years following completion.
Site inspections may take place during the three years after project completion to ensure proper maintenance of supported developments.