Closed
Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF)
Supports Indigenous-led aquatic habitat restoration in Western Canada
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : March 31, 2025
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
The Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF) provides up to $75 million in government funding until March 31, 2025, to support Indigenous-led aquatic habitat restoration projects in British Columbia and Alberta. The program finances activities such as habitat rehabilitation, community capacity building, ecological studies, and the protection, enhancement, and restoration of fish and aquatic habitats.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : March 31, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Restoration and rehabilitation of aquatic habitats in priority areas.
- Protection and recovery initiatives for aquatic species.
- Indigenous-led stewardship, outreach, and education projects related to aquatic environments.
- Monitoring and maintenance activities supporting long-term habitat sustainability.
- Strategic planning and studies to address threats and promote habitat health in coastal and riparian zones.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous groups involved in aquatic habitat restoration
Who is not eligible
- No specific information regarding ineligible companies or industry restrictions is provided for the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF).
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs related to Indigenous-led aquatic habitat restoration activities.
- Expenses for community capacity building initiatives.
- Purchase of materials and equipment required for restoration work.
- Costs for conducting studies on aquatic habitats.
- Outreach and educational materials related to stewardship and habitat protection.
Eligible geographic areas
- Projects located in the Salish Sea region
- Projects within the Fraser River watershed
- Inland watersheds along the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) pipeline corridor in British Columbia and Alberta
Additional information
- AHRF was established specifically in response to concerns raised by Indigenous groups during consultations on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX).
- The fund focused on both freshwater and marine ecosystems as part of its restoration efforts.
- Monitoring and maintenance are essential components to support the long-term sustainability of affected habitats.
- AHRF is linked to other related federal initiatives such as the Salish Sea Initiative and Terrestrial Studies Initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF). 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 Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF)?
The Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF) provides up to $75 million in government funding until March 31, 2025, to support Indigenous-led aquatic habitat restoration projects in British Columbia and Alberta. The program finances activities such as habitat rehabilitation, community capacity building, ecological studies, and the protection, enhancement, and restoration of fish and aquatic habitats.
Who is eligible for the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF) program?
To be eligible for the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF) program, you must:
Eligible Indigenous groups may apply.
Projects must be located within the Salish Sea, Fraser River watershed, or TMX pipeline corridor in British Columbia or Alberta.
What expenses are eligible under Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF)?
Restoration and rehabilitation of aquatic habitats in priority areas.
Protection and recovery initiatives for aquatic species.
Indigenous-led stewardship, outreach, and education projects related to aquatic environments.
Monitoring and maintenance activities supporting long-term habitat sustainability.
Strategic planning and studies to address threats and promote habitat health in coastal and riparian zones.
Who can I contact for more information about the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF)?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
Where is the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF) available?
The Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF) program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF) is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF)?
Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF) is funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)