Funding for Aquatic Habitat Restoration Projects

The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP) was launched by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in June 2013. This program aims to bring together partners with the goal of improving the long-term sustainability and productivity of the recreational fishery through the recovery and rehabilitation of the habitats of fish species targeted by recreational fishing.

A total of $10 million in funds was initially earmarked for the program over two fiscal years (2013-2015). In the last federal budget, an additional $15 million was allocated to the program, which was also extended to 2016.

Projects funded to date and upcoming projects

More than 40 habitat restoration projects have been funded under contribution agreements with Fisheries and Oceans Canada since the launch of the RFCPP. Funds granted have ranged from $6,500 to $230,000 and mainly gone toward projects to modify streams, floodplains and spawning grounds to restore habitats and increase the diversity of fish species. Funds have also been allocated to projects to restore the free passage of fish, including culvert replacement and passability improvements at waterfalls.