Sea Turtles Program
The Sea Turtles Program from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports research and conservation initiatives to reduce threats and enhance recovery of sea turtle populations in the Western Hemisphere.
Funder: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Due Dates: August 19, 2026 (Pre-Proposal) | October 27, 2026 (Full Proposal)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards range from $50,000–$400,000 per project; 1:1 non-federal match required for most projects.
Summary: Supports projects that advance conservation and recovery of sea turtle populations in the Western Hemisphere through bycatch reduction, nesting beach protection, and capacity building.
Key Information: Pre-proposal is required; US federal agencies and unincorporated individuals are not eligible to apply.
Description
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Sea Turtles Program advances a comprehensive, multi-year strategy to halt and reverse declines in sea turtle populations across the Western Hemisphere. The program targets major threats such as bycatch in fisheries, direct exploitation, and habitat degradation, funding projects that reduce bycatch, protect nesting beaches, enhance rehabilitation capacity, and build collaborative regional networks. Grant priorities include actionable conservation, capacity building for stranding response, development of turtle-friendly fishing gear, and restoration of key nesting habitats. The program is supported by NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with a focus on projects in U.S. coastal areas and territories, but also considers broader Western Hemisphere initiatives.
