Closed
Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA)
Supports aquatic habitat conservation and restoration
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2025
- Closing date : December 5, 2025
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
The AQHA program provides financial support to conserve, restore, and improve aquatic fish habitats. It funds planning studies, habitat works, biodiversity restoration, and knowledge transfer activities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase operational productivity
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2025
- Closing date : December 5, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Social economy enterprise
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Animal Protection
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Planning studies and habitat diagnostics.
- Habitat restoration and improvement works.
- Restoration of original biodiversity for brook trout.
- Projects to improve habitat connectivity and fish passage.
- Knowledge transfer and training activities for stakeholders.
Documents Needed
- Official AQHA application form.
- Organization resolution authorizing the signatory, if applicable.
- Organization charter or letters patent, if not already provided or updated.
- Supporting letters and project maps.
- CV of the project lead or specialist, plus project-specific documents.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Legally constituted public organizations
- Legally constituted private organizations
- Local or regional organizations
- Municipal organizations
- Non-profit organizations
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
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.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects involving public awareness materials for the general public.
- Projects related to general environmental issues such as air quality, water quality, pesticides, or waste management.
- Compensatory work required by law after habitat destruction or damage.
- Projects dealing with damage caused by wildlife.
- Costs that are not directly related to the project.
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
- North of the 49th parallel, the St. Lawrence River, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission and a response is usually provided within about 3 to 4 months.
- Applicants may be contacted to confirm eligibility or project relevance.
- Approved projects require a protocol with the Foundation setting funding conditions and payment terms.
- Projects may be subject to site checks during the three years after completion.
Additional information
- The deadline is December 1.
- Applicants are encouraged to contact a program manager before submitting.
- The project promoter must sign a protocol with the Foundation.
- Annual follow-up and maintenance reports are required for three years after habitat works.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA) Program
What is the Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA)?
The AQHA program provides financial support to conserve, restore, and improve aquatic fish habitats. It funds planning studies, habitat works, biodiversity restoration, and knowledge transfer activities.
How much funding can be received?
Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA) Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was December 5, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA) program?
To be eligible for the Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA) program, you must:
The applicant must be a legally constituted public or private organization involved in wildlife habitat conservation, enhancement, and management.
Individuals are not eligible.
What expenses are eligible under Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA)?
Planning studies and habitat diagnostics.
Habitat restoration and improvement works.
Restoration of original biodiversity for brook trout.
Projects to improve habitat connectivity and fish passage.
Knowledge transfer and training activities for stakeholders.
Who can I contact for more information about the Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA)?
You can contact Quebec Wildlife Foundation (FFQ) by email at alexandre.rasiulis@fondationdelafaune.qc.ca or by phone at 4186447926.
Where is the Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA) available?
The Aquatic habitat quality improvement (AQHA) program is available the province of Quebec.