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.

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 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.

The F26AS00023 FY2026 Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program offers crucial financial support for marine mammal rescue efforts. This initiative aims to assist eligible participants in the recovery and treatment of stranded marine mammals, provide emergency response to stranding events, and enhance scientific research on marine mammal health. The program prioritizes applications that effectively address species-specific needs and bolster the capacity of stranding networks, ensuring the welfare of marine wildlife under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant supports the recovery and care of sick or injured marine mammals through federal assistance to the U.S. National Marine Mammal Stranding and Entanglement Response Networks. Eligible applicants must provide a Prescott Letter of Eligibility, confirming their participation in the network. This program aims to enhance marine mammal health monitoring and response capabilities across the country, ensuring timely and effective interventions for stranded marine life.

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.

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 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 Climate Program Office (CPO) FY2026 Earth System Science and Services Partnership (ESSSP) aims to enhance NOAA's mission through collaborative research and activities. It focuses on understanding changes in Earth's systems and their impacts on ecosystems and communities. Eligible applicants include academic institutions offering doctoral degrees in NOAA-related sciences. The total funding available is approximately $10 million, supporting initiatives that encompass research, data evaluations, and stakeholder engagement.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.