Open Ocean Research Grant Program

The Open Ocean Research Grant Program is administered by Global Fishing Watch, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving transparency and accountability in ocean governance. The organization provides open-access data and analytical tools that track human activity at sea, enabling governments, researchers, and civil society to better understand and manage marine environments. This grant program is designed to expand the organization’s global research network and enhance the use of its datasets by supporting innovative, data-driven research projects focused on ocean governance challenges. The primary purpose of the program is to advance ocean transparency and sustainability through applied research that leverages Global Fishing Watch’s publicly available datasets and tools. Funded projects are expected to demonstrate novel uses of these datasets, contribute to the understanding of human activity at sea, and support practical outcomes in areas such as fisheries management, biodiversity protection, and international cooperation. The program emphasizes real-world impact, encouraging projects that engage local stakeholders and produce actionable insights for ocean governance. Funding is offered in two categories: individual applicants may receive up to 10,000 USD, while group applicants consisting of two to five members may receive up to 20,000 USD. The program supports a wide range of eligible participants, including PhD students, early-career researchers, independent scientists, developers, and practitioners affiliated with academic, nonprofit, research, or governmental institutions. Applicants from all geographic regions are invited to apply, provided their proposed work does not involve countries subject to U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. The application process follows a two-stage structure beginning with a mandatory Letter of Intent. Applicants must first submit a concise proposal outlining their project concept, methodology, and intended use of Global Fishing Watch datasets. This initial submission allows the funder to assess alignment with program objectives and determine eligibility. Only selected applicants are invited to proceed to the full proposal stage, reducing the burden of preparing comprehensive applications for those not advancing. Letters of Intent must be submitted through an online application form and include a project summary, applicant details, and a preliminary budget. Key dates for the 2026 funding cycle include the opening of the Letter of Intent submission period on April 7, 2026, with a deadline of May 10, 2026. Invitations for full proposals are issued on July 1, 2026, and full proposals are due by August 31, 2026. Award notifications are expected in October 2026, with funded projects commencing in November 2026 and continuing through approximately 2028. An informational webinar was scheduled for April 14, 2026 to provide guidance to prospective applicants. Applications are evaluated based on their alignment with Global Fishing Watch’s mission, technical feasibility, and the appropriateness of the proposed scope relative to available funding. Reviewers assess whether applicants demonstrate the necessary expertise and capacity to execute their projects, particularly through the required submission of a team lead’s curriculum vitae. The program prioritizes projects that effectively integrate data analysis with practical applications in ocean governance, ensuring that funded research contributes meaningfully to global efforts in marine sustainability and transparency.

Ensure strong alignment with Global Fishing Watch mission demonstrate technical feasibility and clearly show capacity and expertise in the team lead CV