Call for Applications: Aquatic Species at Risk Funding Program (Canada)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk provides grant funding to support Indigenous Peoples’ participation in consultations and recovery planning under the Species at Risk Act. Managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the program prioritizes accessible, timely funding—typically under $15,000—to ensure Indigenous knowledge and rights are meaningfully included in aquatic species protection decisions.

About the Programme

Beginning October 2024, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is delivering funding through the Species at Risk Act (SARA) framework under the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk.

The initiative ensures Indigenous Peoples can effectively participate in consultation and engagement processes related to aquatic species that may be listed as:

• Extirpated

• Endangered

• Threatened

• Of special concern

The programme recognizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems, governance structures, and treaty rights in shaping species protection and recovery planning.

Objectives

Funding supports activities that:

• Enable Indigenous participation in consultation and engagement processes

• Advance involvement in listing decisions and recovery planning

• Incorporate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives

• Prepare for meetings and formal consultations

• Compile and submit relevant ecological, cultural, or community data

• Assess potential impacts of listing or recovery decisions on treaty rights or title

Funding Details

• Preference: Applications under $15,000

• Higher Requests: Considered for complex engagement processes or multi-community collaborations

• Start Date: October 2024 onward

• Scope: Funding scaled to match the complexity of consultation activities

The funding is designed to be accessible, timely, and responsive to ongoing consultation timelines.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible recipients include:

• Indigenous governments

• Bands and settlements

• District councils

• Chiefs’ councils

• Tribal councils

• Organizations representing rights-holding communities

Applicants must:

• Be potentially affected by a listing decision or recovery planning process

• Have received official notification from DFO initiating consultation or engagement activities

Eligible Activities

Funding may support:

• Preparation for consultation meetings

• Participation in public discussions and formal engagement processes

• Review and analysis of recovery documents

• Collection and compilation of relevant knowledge or data

• Submission of viewpoints regarding impacts on Indigenous rights and title

Why It Matters

The Canada Nature Fund strengthens collaborative conservation by:

• Supporting Indigenous-led participation in federal decision-making

• Ensuring respect for treaty rights and traditional knowledge

• Enhancing the quality and inclusiveness of species recovery planning

• Promoting equitable engagement in environmental governance

By embedding Indigenous perspectives into aquatic species protection, the programme supports more effective, culturally informed conservation outcomes.

FAQs

1. Who can apply? Indigenous governments, councils, bands, and representative entities affected by SARA decisions.

2. How much funding is available? Preference is given to requests under $15,000, though higher amounts may be considered.

3. What types of activities are supported? Consultation preparation, participation, data compilation, and engagement related to listing or recovery planning.

4. Is prior notification required? Yes, applicants must have received consultation notification from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

5. Can multiple communities apply together? Yes, especially where engagement processes are complex.

6. Does the funding support ecological research projects? The focus is on consultation and engagement activities rather than independent research projects.

7. Why is Indigenous knowledge important in this process? It strengthens species protection decisions and ensures respect for treaty rights and traditional stewardship practices.

Conclusion

The Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk provides targeted support to ensure Indigenous Peoples can meaningfully engage in federal consultation and recovery planning processes. By facilitating participation under the Species at Risk Act, the programme advances inclusive conservation governance while safeguarding Indigenous rights and knowledge systems.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.