2026 Alaska Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program

NOAA/NMFS is soliciting competitive proposals for grants and cooperative agreements that will increase the sustainability, education, and training on marine resource issues and increase education for marine related professions in Alaska. Projects should prepare communities for employment in marine-related professions; increase the sustainability of fishing practices through technological improvements; or increase seafood and fishing safety, seafood marketing, or management.

Projects must improve education and training on marine resource issues in the region and increase education for marine-related professions among coastal community residents. Projects must align with one of the following priorities, which are listed in no particular order of preference. If a project meets more than one of the priorities, the applicant should list the priority that most closely reflects the objectives of the proposed project. It is strongly encouraged that projects should leverage and develop effective partnerships where appropriate. These partnerships may include: government agencies (island, local, state, or federal), non-governmental organizations, tribal entities, researchers, academic institutions, and industry.

1. Marine Science and Technology: This may include education and training projects that are focused on preparing coastal community residents for employment in marine-related professions, including: marine resource conservation and management, marine science, marine technology, aquaculture/mariculture, and maritime operations. This may also include projects that, with the fishing industry, not only identify methods and technologies that will improve data collection, quality, and reporting, but also increase the sustainability of fishing practices and ultimately transfer such methods and technologies among fisheries sectors and other stakeholders in the Western, Northern, and Central Pacific.

2. Fisheries and Seafood-related Training: Projects addressing fishery observation, seafood safety and seafood marketing, focused on increasing the involvement of coastal community residents in fishing, fishery management, subsistence, and seafood-related operations.

3. Outreach: Projects to educate and inform consumers about the quality and sustainability of wild fish or products farmed through responsible aquaculture/mariculture. Projects that promote community education and outreach related to safe fishing and boating practices, reduction of marine pollution, and reducing conflicts with marine mammals.

4. Traditional Knowledge: Projects that enhance science-based management of fishery resources of the region.

5. Develop Partnerships: Projects that develop partnerships with Alaskan agencies, academic institutions, and other entities to meet the goals of this program.