Closed
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund
Supports aquatic invasive species prevention projects
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Closing date : August 31, 2023
Location
Canada
Overview
The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund provides $8.75 million over 5 years to support projects and partnerships that help prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. Eligible activities include outreach and education, early detection, small-scale response, prevention, control management, and research.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : August 31, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Animal Protection
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Awareness and education on aquatic invasive species prevention and reporting
- Citizen science and early detection activities
- Small-scale response to newly detected invasive species
- Prevention activities such as boat cleaning stations and biofouling removal
- Small-scale control management and applied research
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous organizations, communities, governments, boards, commissions, associations, authorities, and partnerships
- Non-profit, charitable, volunteer, and professional organizations
- Academic and educational institutions
- For-profit companies, including small businesses with fewer than 500 employees
- Municipal or local governments and conservation authorities
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
- Non-Canadian organizations
- Provincial and territorial governments
- Federal 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.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects that do not address aquatic invasive species
- Projects involving deleterious substances
- Large-scale response, eradication, or control projects
- Projects costing more than $250,000 per year
- Projects requiring more than 3 years of funding
Eligible geographic areas
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Nova Scotia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Alberta
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Saskatchewan
- Québec
- British Columbia
- Yukon
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission.
- Applicants receive confirmation of receipt within 5 working days.
- Funding decisions are communicated to all applicants.
- Successful applicants must negotiate a formal contribution agreement before funding is received.
- There is no formal appeal process for rejected projects.
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.
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?
The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund provides $8.75 million over 5 years to support projects and partnerships that help prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. Eligible activities include outreach and education, early detection, small-scale response, prevention, control management, and research.
How much funding can be received?
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund Funds up to $250,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund program?
To be eligible for the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund program, you must:
Eligible Canadian organizations or groups
Project addresses aquatic invasive species
Project aligns with program priorities
What expenses are eligible under Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund?
Awareness and education on aquatic invasive species prevention and reporting
Citizen science and early detection activities
Small-scale response to newly detected invasive species
Prevention activities such as boat cleaning stations and biofouling removal
Small-scale control management and applied research
Who can I contact for more information about the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund?
You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
Where is the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund available?
The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund is a Grant and Funding