Best Marine Grants in Northern Mariana Islands

Northern Mariana Islands marine conservation organizations working on derelict fishing gear removal and prevention can access funding through Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Nationwide Fishing Trap, Removal, Assessment, and Prevention Program. Awards of US $50,000 - US $200,000 support trap removal, impact assessment, prevention strategies, and data sharing that benefit marine ecosystems and fisheries across eligible U.S. jurisdictions.

Recent bachelor’s graduates from the Pacific Islands interested in fisheries, coastal health, and marine conservation can gain a year of full-time, hands-on experience through placements in government or community organizations in the Northern Mariana Islands and other Pacific locations. With a mission to support coastal ecosystems, Hawai‘i Sea Grant provides this fellowship to build skills in research, management, outreach, and education.

Graduate students and early career professionals in marine, coastal, or Great Lakes science policy can gain a one-year, paid placement in Washington, D.C., working on national marine policy issues. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution offers this fellowship to eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in accredited U.S. graduate programs, including those from Northern Mariana Islands.

The DARRP Restoration Implementation Grants aim to enhance marine and coastal habitat restoration through collaboration between NOAA and non-federal partners. These grants address oil spills and hazardous substance releases by supporting restoration activities authorized under various environmental laws. Eligible applicants will implement projects that promote sustainable fisheries, recover endangered species, and boost local economies. Through careful planning and evaluation, recipients will contribute to effective restoration strategies that align with NOAA's mission and the needs of coastal communities.

Marine conservation teams in the Northern Mariana Islands and other eligible countries can access funding through the Conservation Leadership Programme to protect at-risk non-avian marine and tree species. Early-career conservationists working on IUCN-listed species can receive up to US $15,000 plus mentorship, training, and networking support for 3–12 month projects.

Research institutions and similar organizations in the Northern Mariana Islands studying coastal resilience laws and policies can access funding through the National Sea Grant Law Center. Grants support analysis of legal and policy effectiveness on issues like sea level rise, flooding, storm surge, and land use, with awards of US $75,000 for two-year projects.

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026, funded by NOAA, aims to enhance research and education by supporting land acquisition and construction projects. With approximately $8.5 million available, the program prioritizes strategic expansions of Reserve boundaries and facility enhancements, ensuring sustainable design standards. Funding will support 5-20 projects over 12-36 months, with potential extensions for complex projects, contingent on available funds and negotiations.

Northern Mariana Islands undergraduate students in NOAA-related marine, oceanic, atmospheric, environmental science, or engineering fields can access funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship provides up to US $40,000 in academic assistance plus a paid summer internship at a NOAA facility, including travel and research presentation support.

The ROSES 2025: A.17 Hydrosphere program by NASA aims to enhance our understanding of Earth's water systems, focusing on Ocean Physics, Precipitation Science, and Terrestrial Hydrology. This initiative invites proposals targeting specific priorities within these disciplines to advance knowledge on water distribution and movement across the Earth. Proposals will undergo rigorous peer review to ensure transparency and scientific integrity, aligning with NASA's commitment to reproducible and collaborative research.

The NSF Geosciences Core Research program funds innovative projects across atmospheric, geospace, earth, and ocean sciences. It encourages proposals that push the boundaries of knowledge in fundamental research, promoting interdisciplinary approaches. This initiative seeks transformative ideas that may not have immediate commercial applications but are crucial for advancing scientific understanding and addressing complex environmental challenges. Researchers are invited to explore various domains or integrate multiple disciplines to enhance our comprehension of the Earth and its systems.

The SEFSC Bluefin Tuna Research Program aims to enhance science-based fisheries management for Atlantic bluefin tuna by improving knowledge of their fisheries, biology, and population dynamics. This initiative encourages collaborations with ICCAT and its partners to support multi-year research efforts focused on the movement and mixing of eastern and western Atlantic bluefin populations, ultimately contributing to better management practices for sustainable fisheries.

The National Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP) for FY2026/27 offers competitive grants aimed at supporting non-Federal researchers. This initiative, governed by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, focuses on developing innovative fishing practices and gear technologies to minimize bycatch and reduce post-release mortality of non-target species. By addressing bycatch reduction, the program seeks to enhance the sustainability of U.S. fisheries and aquaculture, aligning with the National Marine Fisheries Service's conservation goals.

Women divers studying journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography in degree programs in the U.S. or Canada can receive $1,500 to advance ocean-focused storytelling and media. The Women Divers Hall of Fame scholarship supports tuition, workshops, or internships for ocean-minded content creators, which may benefit marine conservation efforts in places like the Northern Mariana Islands.

Recent U.S.-based college graduates from historically marginalized groups interested in conservation, renewable energy, or marine fields can access a two-year paid career fellowship through the Environmental Leadership Program, plus a US $1,000 professional development stipend. Fellows may work with host organizations on marine biology, ocean conservation, or related projects, including opportunities relevant to the Northern Mariana Islands.

Researchers and small research teams working on marine biology, oceanography, or marine conservation projects using Global Fishing Watch data can apply for this international grant program, including those in Northern Mariana Islands. Focused on open-ocean governance, Global Fishing Watch invites projects that improve core technologies and publicly share data on human activity at sea, with awards up to US $20,000.

Organizations or IEEE members planning STEM outreach events or programs with marine biology, oceanography, or ocean conservation themes in the Northern Mariana Islands can seek funding for their work. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers offers the IEEE Oceanic Society Grant, providing up to US $5,000 for ocean-focused engineering and protection activities.

Students pursuing natural resources-related degrees who reside in eligible northeastern Illinois counties can receive scholarship funding to support full-time study. Focused on higher education in fields like ecology, hydrology, soil science, and environmental stewardship, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois invites applicants preparing for conservation and related careers to apply.

Graduate students at North American universities conducting thesis research in marine conservation can receive US $15,000 to support ongoing research costs. Focused on marine biology and ocean conservation, the American Fisheries Society invites applicants, including those studying Northern Mariana Islands ecosystems, who are AFS members in good standing or join at application.

Undergraduate students interested in marine, coastal, or estuarine systems can receive up to US $5,000 for a 10-week summer fellowship supporting marine research, extension, education, and communications, including work relevant to the Northern Mariana Islands. New Hampshire Sea Grant’s Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship offers paid, mentored experience across topics like fisheries, aquaculture, coastal conservation, and workforce development.

Graduate students in marine biology, ocean conservation, or related fields interested in national marine policy can apply for a one-year paid Knauss Fellowship in Washington, D.C. Grants from Wisconsin Sea Grant help U.S.-based students, including those from the Northern Mariana Islands, gain hands-on experience with federal agencies and congressional offices on ocean and Great Lakes issues.

The Lubrizol Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with community investment priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on quality education, health, and sustainable communities. Established in 1952, the foundation emphasizes support for initiatives in Cleveland, Ohio, and Houston, Texas. Grant applications are evaluated based on alignment with Lubrizol's investment pillars, with a commitment to fostering social impact and community well-being through financial support.

The Bonnell Cove Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in North America focused on safety at sea and marine environmental initiatives. With a funding limit of $10,000, it prioritizes well-defined projects that can be evaluated for impact. Proposals are accepted biannually, with deadlines on February 1 and September 1 for March and October reviews, respectively. The Foundation seeks innovative solutions for personal safety equipment and environmental stewardship, emphasizing projects that promote sustainable practices in marine operations.

The Fisheries Innovation Fund's Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program aims to enhance fisheries management through electronic technologies. Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), this initiative will support U.S. fisheries in implementing electronic monitoring tools to improve data collection, accessibility, and management. The program is open to various fisheries, including commercial and recreational sectors, promoting sustainable practices and fostering stakeholder involvement for better fishery information systems.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife and marine conservation, policy, and advocacy can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants. Funding supports nationally significant efforts to protect threatened and endangered species, including whales, pollinators, birds, and related habitats, which may benefit marine conservation work connected to the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation's Environment Initiative Grants aim to support projects that enhance ecological health and sustainability. With an annual budget of approximately $3.4 million, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote responsible environmental practices, clean energy, and waste reduction. Grants between $25,000 and $75,000 are available for projects at various levels, focusing on innovative solutions that foster community partnerships and address root causes of environmental challenges.