Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund

Q: How much funding can be received?

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund Funds up to 250000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund?

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund is funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Q: Who is eligible for the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund program?

To be eligible for the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund program, you must: • For-profit organizations are eligible, including small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. • The applicant must be a Canadian organization. • Provincial, territorial, or federal government entities are not eligible.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund?

You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).

Q: Where is the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund available?

The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund program is available across Canada.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund program.

Last Update: August 11, 2025

Canada

Supports prevention and management of aquatic invasive species

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $250,000

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

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 Invasive Species Prevention Fund provides up to $250,000 per year for projects aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in Canada. Eligible activities include awareness campaigns, early detection, rapid response, control and management, research, and small-scale intervention efforts.

Financing terms and conditions

Projects with annual costs exceeding $250,000 are not eligible for funding.
The maximum duration of funding is limited to three years.

Activities funded

Awareness and education initiatives to inform the public about aquatic invasive species and promote prevention practices.
Citizen science and rapid detection projects to identify new introductions of aquatic invasive species.
Small-scale response actions aimed at containing and eradicating recently detected invasive species.
Prevention projects focused on stopping the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (e.g., boat cleaning stations, removal of biofouling).
Applied research to develop or test tools that enhance field prevention and rapid detection of aquatic invasive species.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a Canadian organization, such as an Indigenous organization, non-profit, charitable group, academic institution, industry association, small business with fewer than 500 employees, or a municipal/local administration or their agency.
The project must address the prevention, detection, or management of aquatic invasive species.
The applicant's activities must align with eligible project types, such as awareness, early detection, rapid response, small-scale intervention, or research related to aquatic invasive species.
The proposal must demonstrate alignment with the program's objectives and national or regional priorities.

Who is eligible?

Indigenous organizations, councils, and communities
Non-profit organizations
Charitable organizations
Academic and research institutions
For-profit organizations (including small businesses with fewer than 500 employees)
Industry associations
Municipal or local administrations and their agencies

Who is not eligible

Individuals (not businesses or organizations)
Non-Canadian organizations
Provincial and territorial governments
Federal government departments, agencies, and Crown corporations

Eligible expenses

Expenses related to awareness and education activities, including materials and training sessions on aquatic invasive species prevention.
Costs for rapid detection and sampling, such as DNA sampling materials, field equipment, and use of boats, drones, or underwater cameras.
Expenses associated with small-scale intervention following new invasions, including planning, coordination, and containment or removal of invasive species (manual, mechanical, trapping, or netting methods).
Costs for establishing and operating boat cleaning stations and removing biofouling from boats and port structures.
Expenses for applying anti-fouling paint on relevant structures.
Expenditures related to short-term control and management of invasive species at an established site, including removal or containment.
Research costs aimed at developing prevention, detection, identification, intervention, and control tools specific to aquatic invasive species.

Eligible geographic areas

Gulf Region (New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island)
Maritimes Region (Nova Scotia)
Newfoundland and Labrador Region
Ontario and Prairie Region (Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan)
Québec Region
Pacific Region (British Columbia and Yukon)

Selection criteria

Project aligns with national and regional priorities of the program.
Project is well-planned, clearly articulated, and feasible (ability to begin and complete the project successfully).
Environmental benefits resulting from the project.
Project involves multiple partners.
Potential for long-term impact after funding ends.

How to apply

Review grant priorities

Review the program’s priorities, including national and regional focuses
Ensure the project aligns with preferred areas such as education, early detection, indigenous involvement, or habitat conservation

Confirm eligibility

Check if your organization is eligible for funding
Ensure you are not in an excluded category, such as individuals, non-Canadian organizations, or government bodies

Define eligible project activities

Determine which activities your project will undertake from the list of eligible activities
Ensure your project does not include any non-eligible activities or exceed financial/duration limits

Prepare and finalize proposal

Prepare your project proposal including required plans (project, sampling, training, etc.)
Gather letters of support and demonstrate alignment with program goals, priorities, and criteria

Submit application

Submit your proposal to the designated regional coordinator before the application deadline
Ensure all required documentation is included

Await evaluation and decision

Receive confirmation of application receipt within 5 business days
Wait for evaluation and funding decision

Negotiate agreement and start project

If approved, negotiate and sign an official contribution agreement
Begin project implementation by the required start date

Additional information

An official contribution agreement must be signed before any funds are disbursed.
Notifications concerning funding decisions will be sent to all applicants no later than December 14, 2023.
Applicants may request feedback on rejected proposals from regional programme coordinators.
Selected projects must be implemented no later than April 1, 2024.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention 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 Invasive Species Prevention Fund?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund?

Awareness and education initiatives to inform the public about aquatic invasive species and promote prevention practices. Citizen science and rapid detection projects to identify new introductions of aquatic invasive species. Small-scale response actions aimed at containing and eradicating recently detected invasive species. Prevention projects focused on stopping the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (e.g., boat cleaning stations, removal of biofouling). Applied research to develop or test tools that enhance field prevention and rapid detection of aquatic invasive species.