Galway Atlantaquaria is offering grants for five small-scale conservation projects related to marine and freshwater.
Projects should focus on education and engagement, native species and habitats, or involving a local community or community group, with a special focus on marine or freshwater.
“The primary aim of these grants is to support and encourage the next generation, or individuals already involved in this area of work, but struggling to fund the work they are doing,” the aquarium says.
It says it would also welcome novel projects based on art or music which use creative methods to engage audiences.
The Flowering Plants of Blackrock Pool Seagrass Project which received Small Conservation Grant funding in 2023
The aquarium, which has one of the largest collections of native marine species, has close connections with the local shore on Grattan Beach and Salthill and a network of conservation and environmental groups, including the Irish Ocean Literacy Network.
The Sea Collective in Donegal, the Ray Project, Scoil Caitriona Junior Renmore Galway, and Sea Synergy in Waterville, Co Kerry, were among the successful applicants in 2023.
Also grant-aided last year was a collaboration of four coastal community organisations including Fenit Coast Conservation, which carried out “the Flowering Plants of the Black Rock Pool Seagrass” project.
The maximum value of an individual grant is €1000, the aquarium says.
“ In general, a project is expected to be completed within 2024, however projects that extend into 2025 are eligible,”it says.
Applications should be submitted by April 19th, 2024 at 1700 hours.
Applicants should use the Small Grant Application form which is located on the Aquarium website along with full details and criteria here
Final decisions on applications should be notified to applicants by May 2024, Galway Atlantaquaria says.
The Sea Collective Coastal Custodians Machaire Rabhartaigh Project, which received Small Conservation Grant funding in 2023
