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 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.

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.

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.

Graduate students interested in marine policy and coastal conservation can receive fellowship funding to work on national-level marine and ocean policy issues, including those affecting the Northern Mariana Islands. NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program anticipates supporting at least 35 fellows nationwide, with awards up to US $97,200 for this one-year placement.

Focused on ocean science technology, National Science Foundation invites Northern Mariana Islands marine and oceanography researchers to develop broadly applicable instrumentation and tools. Eligible institutions can propose projects that enhance observational, experimental, or analytical capabilities for ocean research, including improvements to facilities, communications, and equipment at biological field stations and marine laboratories.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 Robert L. Johnson Memorial Research Grant, offered by the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society, supports graduate students in aquatic plant management with grants of up to $10,000. This initiative promotes research that advances the management of aquatic ecosystems and fosters educational opportunities. Recipients are required to present their findings at the annual conference, contributing to the society's mission of sustainable aquatic resource management and ecological preservation.

Graduating high school seniors interested in studying natural resources, fish and wildlife, forest management, or related conservation fields at a 2- or 4-year college, including marine and ocean conservation paths, may be eligible; financial need is considered. With a mission to support education, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation offers this scholarship to students from the U.S., including the Northern Mariana Islands.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, honors a graduate student dedicated to advancing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, and public health. Established in 2020 by the American Water Works Association, this $3,000 scholarship aims to support innovative research that addresses pressing challenges in the water industry. By investing in future leaders, AWWA reinforces its commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable water for all.

The FY 2024 - 2026 Broad Agency Announcement by NOAA seeks innovative research and outreach projects that enhance marine and coastal ecosystem viability. This funding opportunity is contingent on appropriations and does not guarantee specific awards or project funding. NOAA emphasizes collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to remain adaptive in addressing climate change and providing vital weather and water services, ensuring ongoing improvement in their information and services.

The MMUF Dissertation Grant, funded by the Mellon Foundation, supports doctoral candidates who are alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. This grant aids scholars in completing their dissertations, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in academia. With up to $30,000 for a 12-month period, the program encourages candidates to secure additional funding from their institutions. The initiative aims to bolster access to education and foster understanding among varied backgrounds, ultimately enhancing the academic landscape.

TryMarine Grant

The Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership (RFHP) is seeking candidate pilot sites for evaluating two water quality treatment technologies—TryMarine and Oase Water Technology—in small urban fishing lakes (1–3 acres).

Urban fishing lakes are important community resources, providing accessible angling opportunities and supporting local outdoor recreation. Many of these lakes experience nutrient‑driven water quality impairments such as algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and reduced water clarity. These issues degrade fish habitat and diminish angler satisfaction.

This pilot initiative aims to identify lakes where these technologies can be tested to determine their effectiveness, feasibility, and potential for broader application across the RFHP network.

Objectives

Water Quality & Habitat Objectives

• Reduce nutrient concentrations (total phosphorus, total nitrogen).
• Improve water clarity and reduce turbidity.
• Reduce harmful algal blooms (HABs).
• Increase dissolved oxygen stability to support sportfish populations.
• Improve habitat conditions for stocked and naturally occurring fish species.
• Reduce internal nutrient loading from sediments.

RFHP Program Objectives

• Demonstrate scalable tools for improving fish habitat in small urban lakes.
• Support community‑based fisheries enhancement.
• Provide case studies and data for future RFHP guidance.
• Strengthen partnerships among agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and angling groups.

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.