Best Fisheries Grants in New York

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 New York working on electronic monitoring, reporting, and data systems for U.S. fisheries can apply for National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grants of US $200,000 - US $500,000. Focus is on modernizing catch, effort, and compliance monitoring, improving data quality and access, and engaging fishermen in data collection.

New York fisheries and watershed organizations restoring trout and salmon habitat can access funding through the Trout and Salmon Foundation for matching projects that improve streams and fisheries. Grants up to US $5,000 support physical stream restoration, habitat enhancement, and related work across North America, including qualifying projects in New York.

Organizations planning fish passage and aquatic connectivity projects in New York can apply for grants supporting dam removals, culvert replacements, and fishway installations. Grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service help fisheries and conservation partners restore habitat, improve ecosystem resilience, and enhance fishing opportunities, with awards ranging from US $500 to US $2,000,000.

New York fisheries and coastal conservation organizations can access funding through Restore America’s Estuaries to tackle urgent issues in designated National Estuary Program watersheds. Grants of US $200,000 - US $500,000 support habitat restoration, coastal resilience, stormwater and nutrient management, harmful algal bloom response, and other projects that protect estuarine ecosystems and aquatic life.

Organizations planning on-the-ground reservoir fish habitat projects in New York can apply for Friends of Reservoirs’ Bass Pro Shops Large Grant, with awards up to US $100,000. Funding supports large-scale habitat improvements, best management practices, and projects that enhance ecological function and recreational fishing in manmade reservoirs across the U.S.