The Government of Canada launches Call for Proposals for projects that protect aquatic species at risk 

News release

August 10, 2021

Ottawa, Ontario - Canada’s natural biodiversity plays an important role in our way of life. The health of the environment and wildlife supports our culture, our wellbeing and our economy. The Government of Canada is committed to taking further action to build on work already underway to protect and conserve at-risk species in our oceans, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and marshes to ensure their survival for future generations.

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced a new Call for Proposals for the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR). The fund aims to support the recovery and protection of aquatic species at risk by enabling multi-species, place-based and threat-based approaches to recovery. $28.95 million, through Budget 2021, will go toward CNFASAR projects as part of the Enhanced Nature Legacy initiative over five years, starting in 2021-22. This includes $4.15 million over five years to support the consideration of Indigenous knowledge and capacity building. These federal investments will directly support aquatic conservation and species at risk across the country and in Canada’s oceans.

Minister Jordan also announced expanded priorities for CNFASAR, which now include:  

  • New priority areas in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Arctic;
  • Three new priority species have been identified – Atlantic salmon, Pacific salmon, and North Atlantic right whales – alongside continued support for all aquatic species at risk; and
  • Consideration of Indigenous knowledge and support for Indigenous capacity-building related to these priorities.

Protecting at-risk aquatic species is a shared responsibility. Through this fund, the Government of Canada is continuing to build on a culture of conservation, empowering Canadian organizations to join in collaborative efforts to conserve nature. Project partners will be expected to provide matched funding. Interested parties are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and submit a project proposal by the October 7, 2021 deadline.  

Quotes

“Protecting Canada’s aquatic species at risk means keeping our rivers, lakes, and oceans healthy for generations to come. Since our government launched this fund in 2018, it has provided vital support to partners and collaborators who are undertaking this important work across Canada, including efforts to reduce entanglements with fishing gear, better address issues related to bycatch, and restore natural habitats. By protecting our aquatic species at risk, we’re investing in our natural environment coast to coast to coast.”


The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

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Contacts

Olivia McMackin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
343-571-9193

Olivia.Mcmackin@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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