Applications open for Open Ocean Research Grant Program

This research grant program aims to enhance ocean governance by publicly sharing data on human activity at sea to grow their community of practice and expand and improve Global Fishing Watch datasets.

Focus Areas

• Reveal novel aspects of human activity at sea
• Combat IUU Fishing: Reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing
• Protect Small-Scale Fishers: Safeguard the rights of small-scale fishers
• Enhance Marine Protection: Improve management of marine protected areas
• Increase Transparency: Promote the publication and sharing of data to reveal human activities at sea
• Support Sustainable Management: Inform better ocean management practices
• Foster International Cooperation: Promote open data and transparency in ocean governance

Funding Information

• Individual Category: $10,000 USD maximum for individuals
• Group category: $20,000 USD maximum for labs and organizations (2-5 people)
• Anticipated Number of Awards: 10
• The project period is recommended to be at least 12 months and up to 24 months in duration.

Eligible Costs

• Personnel costs in the form of stipends
• Supplies or equipment directly involved in proposed activities

Ineligible Costs

• Personnel salary
• Supplies or equipment over 10k USD in value
• Indirect costs, i.e. expenses that benefit multiple projects or programs and are not directly tied to a specific project, such as administrative overhead or facility maintenance
• Contracts and sub-contracts

 Eligibility Criteria

• These grants will be open to researchers, developers, scientists and managers around the globe and directed to groups or individuals that can help advance Global Fishing Watch mission to improve ocean governance using Global Fishing Watch datasets and core technologies.
• Groups of two to five eligible individuals per the criteria described above can apply. The team should assign a team lead, as a point of contact and person accountable for the project, and this person must be clearly identified in the proposal.
• A diverse and wide range of applicants are encouraged to apply. Applicants are encouraged to start the proposal process early, and reach out to Global Fishing Watch with any process or administrative questions.

Selection Criteria

• Initial Screening
• Individual Technical Merit Reviews
• Virtual, Live Technical Review Panel
• Selection
• Post-Selection

Application Requirements

• Each application must include:
  • Research project narrative (not to exceed 6 pages, see below)
  • Project budget and budget narrative (not to exceed 1 page)
  • CV(s) of the individual in the case of individual applications and of the team members in the case of group applications
  • Other supporting documentation, including but not limited to examples of related work, related publications (not to exceed 5 pages)

For more information, visit Global Fishing Watch.