Overview of the fund and objectives

The Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR), funded through Budgets 2018, 2021 and renewed through Budget 2023, aims to support the recovery and protection of aquatic species at risk. The fund supports multi-species, place-based and threat-based stewardship actions that recover and protect aquatic species at risk.

Objective of the program

The objective of the CNFASAR is to slow the decline of aquatic species at risk and enable their recovery through funding multi-species recovery and protection activities through place-based and threat-based approaches. DFO has identified 2 priority marine threats and 9 priority places as the focus for projects funded by CNFASAR. The fund is intended for medium to large projects that range from $50,000 to $1 million over 3 years. The fund will prioritize Indigenous led projects, as well as projects that clearly demonstrate the inclusion of Indigenous partners (i.e., as part of the development, design and implementation processes). Preference will also be given to projects that engage many partners and address program priorities.

Funding is available for projects that can be completed by March 31, 2026. To apply for this funding, an expression of interest must be completed and emailed to a regional coordinator by July 14, 2023 at 23:59 (closing at 11:59pm for your region) to be considered.

For assistance please contact the regional coordinator in the region in which your proposed project will take place.

We will acknowledge the receipt of your expression of interest within 5 business days. If your expression of interest is selected, you will be notified by email and invited to submit a full proposal. Applicants with successful proposals will then be contacted by DFO’s regional office to discuss the establishment of a contribution agreement between your organization and DFO. You may be required to provide additional information on your project at that time.

Related links

• Canada’s Nature Legacy
• Canada Nature Fund
• Habitat Stewardship Fund (HSP)
• Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR)