RFPs: Advancing Ocean and River Alkalinity Enhancement Research in Canada

MEOPAR and Carbon to Sea Canada have launched a Call for Proposals (CFP) to advance Ocean and River Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE/RAE) research across Canada. The call supports projects addressing the research foundations of safety, efficacy, and scalability, with thematic priorities including Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), environmental and ecological impact assessment, and governance and decision-making. The submission deadline is 12 November 2026 at 23:59 EST. Opportunity at a Glance

- Funding opportunity name: MEOPAR and Carbon to Sea Canada Call for Proposals (CFP) — Advancing Ocean and River Alkalinity Enhancement Research in Canada

- Funding organization(s): MEOPAR and Carbon to Sea Canada

- Opportunity type: Research call for proposals

- Total funding envelope: Approximately $1M

- Maximum request per project: $150,000

- Project duration: Up to 18 months

- Planned project dates: From 1 April 2027 to 31 October 2028

- Matching requirement: Project leads must secure matching funds (cash or in-kind) from non-federal sources at a minimum ratio of 0.3:1

- Eligible applicants (high level): Canadian post-secondary institutions, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations and governments, municipalities, research networks, public engagement organizations, and start-up companies (including those housed in Canadian post-secondary-linked incubators)

- Not eligible: Federal departments, agencies, and Crown Corporations

- Submission deadline: 12 November 2026 at 23:59 EST

- Submission method: Through the MEOPAR portal (portal opening September 2026)

- Information session: October 2026 (recorded)

- Contact: Kristi Carter — [contact details removed]

About the Opportunity

This CFP supports research that advances Ocean and River Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE/RAE) approaches in Canada. OAE/RAE are described as carbon dioxide removal methods that accelerate natural weathering processes, increasing the capacity of waters to take up and store atmospheric CO2 primarily as dissolved bicarbonate for thousands of years or longer. The call is designed to strengthen the evidence base for decision-making and support resilient coastal communities and marine ecosystems, while also improving access to ocean research infrastructure and developing Canada’s ocean research and innovation talent. Funding and Benefits

- Maximum funding request: Applicants may request up to $150,000 per project.

- Total call envelope: The total funding envelope is approximately $1M.

- Matching funds requirement: Project leads must secure matching funds (cash or in-kind) from non-federal sources at a minimum ratio of 0.3:1.

- Project length: Projects may be up to 18 months, planned to run from 1 April 2027 to 31 October 2028.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible recipients include:

- Canadian post-secondary institutions - Not-for-profit organizations - Indigenous organizations and governments - Municipalities - Research networks - Public engagement organizations - Start-up companies, including those housed in Canadian post-secondary-linked incubators

Not eligible:

- Federal departments, agencies, and Crown Corporations

Geographic scope:

- The CFP encourages proposals from diverse geographies, ecosystems, and organizations across Canada.

Engagement and inclusion expectations:

- MEOPAR and Carbon to Sea Canada are committed to advancing Truth and Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA). - Applicants are encouraged to engage Indigenous communities, ocean-impacted communities, industry, not-for-profits, policymakers, and other relevant rights holders, partners, and knowledge users, as appropriate to the project. - Applications will be evaluated in part on plans for meaningful engagement and inclusive participation, including consideration of barriers to participation and opportunities to involve individuals from equity-deserving groups. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The CFP invites proposals that address the three foundations of OAE/RAE research: - Safety - Efficacy - Scalability Proposals must also advance one or more thematic priorities: - Measurements and models for Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) - Environmental and ecological impact assessment - Governance, communities, and decision-making

RAE-specific focus:

- Proposals for River Alkalinity Enhancement (RAE) should focus on marine-terminating rivers and consider the marine system in their scope. Why This Opportunity Matters This call targets research needs for OAE/RAE carbon dioxide removal approaches, emphasizing evidence that supports safe, effective, and scalable implementation. By prioritizing MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification), environmental and ecological impact assessment, and governance and decision-making, the CFP aims to strengthen how projects are evaluated, managed, and integrated with community and stakeholder participation in Canada. How to Apply - Review the official documents listed by MEOPAR and Carbon to Sea Canada, including the Call for Proposals, Application Guide, and Proposal Form (available in English/French). - Prepare your proposal to address the OAE/RAE research foundations (safety, efficacy, scalability) and at least one thematic priority (MRV, environmental/ecological impact assessment, or governance/communities/decision-making). - Submit through the MEOPAR portal. The portal opens in September 2026.

- Meet the submission deadline: 12 November 2026 at 23:59 EST.

- Use the official application link provided on the opportunity page to submit your proposal.

- Apply here: (Official application link is provided on the MEOPAR opportunity page; see source URL below.)

Official source URL: https://meopar.ca/oae-rae-research-call-for-proposals/

Project documents (as listed on the page): - Call for Proposals (English/Français) - Application Guide (English/Français) - Proposal Form (English/Français) - Appendix B/B1 (English/Français) - Appendix C (English/Français) Application Tips or Commo