The Stephenson Exploration Advancement Program
Forecasted
The Stephenson Exploration Advancement Program supports conservationists and field scientists in hands-on marine research to expand ocean knowledge and benefit ecosystems and dependent communities.
Funder: Explorers Club
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: $10,000 per award
Summary: Supports hands-on marine field research and conservation that advances ocean knowledge and benefits marine ecosystems and dependent communities.
Key Information: Research conducted in China or by Chinese citizens cannot be considered.
Description
The Stephenson Exploration Advancement (SEA) Program is a partnership between The Explorers Club and the Philip Stephenson Foundation. Grounded in the belief that exploration and stewardship go hand in hand, it supports conservationists and field scientists doing hands-on work to research, protect, and care for the oceans. Projects should expand marine knowledge while making a tangible difference for ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
Supported work includes coral bleaching, reef resilience and recovery, coral spawning, reef habitat monitoring, whale shark ecology, and manatee identification and population monitoring. Dolphin conservation involving fishermen and guitarfish protection also feature among funded projects, reflecting the program’s combination of marine field science, conservation, and community engagement.
