The Saltonstall-Kennedy program funds projects that address the needs of fishing communities, and that build and maintain sustainable fisheries. The focus areas in 2019 are marine aquaculture; adapting to environmental changes and other long-term impacts in the marine ecosystem; fisheries promotion, development, and marketing. The program is open to applicants in the USA, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau — with priority for applications from the fishing community, and that involve fishing community cooperation and participation. Grants will range from US$25 thousand to US$300 thousand for two years. The deadline for pre-proposals is 05 November 2018. More information
The U.S. government seeks to fund projects that take a multifaceted approach in dealing with the problem of illegal wildlife trafficking of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine species, including: elephants, rhinos, tigers, sharks, tuna, sea turtles, land tortoises, great apes, exotic birds, pangolins, sturgeon, coral, iguanas, chameleons, and tarantulas. Requested grants should range from US$50 thousand to a maximum of US$200 thousand. Eligibility for grants extends worldwide to qualified and relevant government agencies, other organizations, multi-national secretariats, and individuals. The closing date for applications is 10 May 2018. Know more
The Australia – APEC Women in Research Fellowship supports female researchers from developing APEC economies to work in collaboration with partners at Australian institutions. Past fellows include several in subjects such as water resources, climate change, marine microbiology, and others related to environment. The program is open to female citizens and permanent residents in the following countries: Chile, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. The application deadline is 06 April 2018. View
#SeeingBlue seeks ideas and solutions for responsible blue tourism. “Blue tourism” is defined as responsible touristic activities that not only limit the impact of tourism on the marine environment, but can even reverse it and encourage a healthier relationship between the tourism industry, tourists (local and foreign) and the ocean. The Young Ocean Champions Award is open to young people (13-30 years old) from Mauritius and Seychelles. The winning team will receive US$ 500 in prize money, as well as US$ 1,000 in seed funding and mentoring from experts in the ocean industry to support them in the implementation of their project. Deadline for submission is 15 March 2018. How can tourism save our oceans?
The European Commission calls for projects that increase the sustainability of the use of marine resources in West Africa by enhancing scientific knowledge, and supporting the development and implementation of effective management/conservation measures. Eligibility extends to individuals working for a scientific institute, a West African or International NGO, or an international organisation. Grants are between €1 million and €1.5 million. The deadline for concept notes is 27 February 2018. Click here
The National Geographic Society seeks proposals to reduce the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products. The call is open for proposals focused on marine and terrestrial species. Projects may be focused around conservation, education, research, storytelling, or technology. Preference will be given to applicants who are residents or citizens of the relevant regions for the consumption of or demand for illegal wildlife products. Applicants may request up to US$50 thousand, though grants are typically funded for less than US$30 thousand. Short deadline: 03 January 2018. Interested?
NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration & Research (OER) seeks to enhance ocean exploration and scientific knowledge of the unknown or poorly known areas of the ocean. OER seeks proposals focused on three topics including: (1) Exploration of the deep marine environments; (2) Discovery and exploration of prehistorically and historically significant submerged marine heritage sites; and (3) Novel or innovative technologies and methodologies that could increase the pace and scope of ocean exploration. (Note: For themes 1 and 2 proposals outside the US EEZ and the US Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Mexico will not be accepted.). Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education; non-profit institutions; state, local, and tribal governments; for-profit organizations; and U.S. territories. Foreign researchers may participate by submitting a subaward through collaboration with an eligible U.S. entity. The maximum support per project is US$ 750 thousand. Deadline for applications is 07 December 2017. More
USAID/Manila announces a 5-year program called “Fish Right” to enhance the sustainable use and resilience of coastal and marine resources that provide food, livelihoods, and coastal protection to communities in the Philippines. Fish Right will focus on marine key biodiversity areas, with special attention on “wild” or capture fisheries and the communities that depend on them. Eligibility for funding extends to NGOs in the USA and Philippines; for-profit NGOs willing to forego their fees; private voluntary organizations; universities; foundations; consortiums; and international organizations. Funding Opportunity RFA-492-17-000003. The closing date for applications is 15 November 2017. Learn more
UN Environment and Think Beyond Plastic are sponsoring a worldwide innovation challenge for university students to fight the increasing problem of plastic in oceans. The winners in each of four categories of the competition will attend the Sixth International Marine Debris Conference in California (March 2018), and will receive free mentorship to help them develop their ideas. The competition is open to university students worldwide. The deadline for entries is 06 October 2017. Learn about the challenge
The Millennium Oceans Prize encourages activism, social entrepreneurship, and research to champion advocacy and leadership for the oceans, freshwater systems, sustainable fishing, and marine conservation. Initiatives in sustainable fisheries will receive special consideration. Applicants for the Prize are college or undergraduate university students, ages 18 to 30, anywhere in the world. The winning competitor will be offered up to US$5 thousand to implement his/her campaign and an invitation to the Millennium Campus Conference in Morocco, November 2017. The deadlines are 06 August 2017 and 17 September 2017. Link