Best Fisheries Grants in Kentucky

The Steven Berkeley Marine Conservation Fellowship, established by the American Fisheries Society in 2007, honors a dedicated fisheries scientist. This $15,000 award supports graduate students engaged in thesis research on marine conservation topics. Applicants must be enrolled in a North American university's M.S. or Ph.D. program and be AFS members in good standing. The fellowship encourages innovative research addressing various conservation issues, not limited to fisheries.

Fisheries and related organizations in Kentucky working on catch monitoring, reporting, or data systems may be eligible for US $200,000 - US $500,000 to implement electronic monitoring and reporting technologies. Focused on modernizing fisheries data nationwide, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports projects in all U.S. state and federal fisheries, including commercial, recreational, and for-hire sectors.

Kentucky fisheries and watershed organizations improving trout and salmon habitat can access funding through Trout and Salmon Foundation for stream restoration and enhancement projects. Matching grants up to US $5,000 support physical habitat work, with on-site labor sometimes counted toward the match, and may help catalyze additional volunteer, material, and financial support.

Organizations improving fish passage and aquatic connectivity in Kentucky can apply for US $500 - US $2,000,000 to support fisheries and fish conservation projects. Grants from the US Department of the Interior: Fish and Wildlife Service help fund dam removals, culvert replacements, and fishway installations as part of the National Fish Passage Program’s nationwide efforts.

Organizations planning on-the-ground reservoir fish habitat enhancement projects in Kentucky can apply for Friends of Reservoirs’ Bass Pro Shops Large Grant, with awards up to US $100,000. Projects should tackle large-scale habitat issues, use best management practices, build cross-landscape partnerships, and improve both ecological function and recreational fishing opportunities.