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Aquatic Habitat Restoration Fund (AHRF)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Alberta, Canada
Supports Indigenous-led aquatic habitat restoration in Western Canada
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Reduce the ecological footprint
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
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
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 74,000
Restoring riparian buffers along a salmon spawning stream
$ 73,500
Establishing a community aquatic habitat monitoring program
$ 70,000
Community-led removal of invasive aquatic plants and replanting
$ 74,500
Installing fish-friendly culverts to restore stream connectivity
$ 53,000
Turtle nesting habitat restoration along lakeshore benchlands
$ 39,000
Education campaign on aquatic habitat stewardship for youth
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an Indigenous group.
- The project must involve aquatic habitat restoration activities in freshwater or marine ecosystems.
- The project must be located within the Salish Sea, the Fraser River watershed, or inland watersheds along the TMX pipeline corridor in British Columbia or Alberta.
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
How to apply
1
Verify eligibility and alignment
- Identify if your project aligns with the AHRF's objectives and target geographical areas
- Ensure your organization is an eligible Indigenous group as specified by the fund
2
Prepare project plan and documents
- Develop a detailed project plan outlining restoration activities, objectives, and expected outcomes
- Prepare supporting documentation demonstrating community capacity and the Indigenous-led aspect of the initiative
3
Submit application
- Submit your complete application and supporting materials to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
- Ensure submission is before any applicable deadlines
4
Await results
- Wait for confirmation from Fisheries and Oceans Canada regarding the status of your application
- Be prepared to provide further information if requested
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.
