Lower Austria Fisheries and Research Funding, Lower Austria LFV
Funding of projects for the preservation, protection, and restoration of species-rich populations of aquatic animals in Lower Austria by the Lower Austrian State Fisheries Association. Submission before project start; ongoing validity (Funding program 2026: 01.10.2025–30.09.2026).
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Within the framework of the objectives defined in the Lower Austrian Fisheries Act 2001, the Lower Austrian State Fisheries Association, in cooperation with the fisheries district associations, supports projects aimed at the preservation, protection, and restoration of a waterbody-typical and species-rich population of aquatic animals. Revenues from fishing license fees are entirely used to promote fisheries and research, particularly to ensure biodiversity, monitor the conservation status, and preserve natural habitats. Funding serves as an incentive for measures that would not be implemented without this support (principle of voluntariness) and is based on the principles of thriftiness, efficiency, and appropriateness.
Eligible expenses
- Construction costs
- Planning costs
- Construction supervision costs
- Land acquisition costs
- Costs for expert reports
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Non-eligible expenses
- Overhead costs (indirect costs)
- Taxes and duties
- Value-added tax
- Court and notary fees
- Legal advisory costs
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Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Submit the funding application before the start of the planned project
- Complete the application form (Annex 3) in full and attach all required documents
- Submit two copies to the Lower Austria State Fisheries Association
- Submission period for the 2026 funding program: 01.10.2025 – 30.09.2026
- If applicable, submit a parallel application to the responsible fisheries district association
Documents required for application
- Water rights permit for the project
- Site plan
- Project plan (project description, project objective, schedule)
- Detailed construction description
- Financing plan
- Cost estimates
- Completed funding application
- Other attachments (photos)
Evaluation criteria
- Significance of the project
- Expected success in achieving objectives
- Proportionality of effort
- Availability of funds and budgetary situation
- Applicant's own contribution
Description
The Lower Austria Fisheries and Research Funding of the Lower Austria State Fisheries Association supports projects in Lower Austria aimed at the preservation, protection, and restoration of species-rich aquatic animal populations. Funding is provided for measures in the areas of water ecology, aquatic communities, as well as research & innovation. The basis is the Lower Austria Fisheries Act 2001, whose objectives are the sustainable maintenance and restoration of a natural, species-rich population of aquatic animals. The funds are entirely derived from the fishing license fees and are awarded according to the principles of economy, efficiency, and appropriateness. Thanks to the ongoing funding opportunity, both construction and planning costs as well as expert reports, one-time compensations, or demolition costs can be supported. The funding rate varies between 2.5% and 75% depending on the type of measure and cost scope. Special emphasis is placed on projects improving connectivity through fish migration aids or revitalization of shoreline areas, as well as on applied research in water ecology and species protection.
Eligible applicants are natural and legal persons, including private project sponsors, non-profit associations, research institutions, and SMEs active in Lower Austria. A funding application must be submitted before the project starts and requires a fully completed application form, site and project plan, water rights permit, cost estimates, and a detailed financing plan. The submission phase for the 2026 funding program runs from 01.10.2025 to 30.09.2026 and must be submitted in duplicate to the Lower Austria State Fisheries Association; optionally, an application can also be submitted in parallel to the responsible fisheries district association. Based on clearly defined evaluation criteria such as the significance of the project, expected success, and proportion of own contribution, the association decides on eligibility for funding and the amount granted. This program offers a strong incentive to implement ecological water projects that would not be feasible without financial support.