Call For Projects
Find out how to apply for funding through Moana Mark
Do you have a marine research project you’re passionate about?
Anyone can apply for funding through Moana Mark. Whether you’re a high school student or a professor, all you need is curiosity, a hypothesis, and a willingness to conduct marine research. Find out more about the criteria for funding.
Who can apply?
Anyone with a solid idea and a commitment to marine science. We support projects from:
Students (high school, university, postgraduate)
Independent researchers
Scientists affiliated with institutions
You don’t need to be attached to a university or organisation. We welcome independent and community-driven science.
What types of projects do we fund?
We fund research that:
Focuses on Aotearoa’s moana, marine species, or coastal environments
Is scientifically grounded and feasible
Will share results openly with Moana Mark partners
What do we look for in a project proposal?
To be approved, projects must meet the following criteria:
1. Clear Hypothesis
Your proposal should state exactly what you’re investigating or testing.
2. Scientific Accuracy
You’ll need to back up your claims with peer-reviewed sources.
3. Feasibility
Your team should have the skills and experience to complete the project.
4. Approvals & Permits
If your project involves animal or human subjects, ethics approval and required permits must be submitted before funding can be approved.
We assess research proposals on a rolling basis and will get back to you once your project has been reviewed.
What do researchers give back?
In exchange for funding, researchers must share their findings with Moana Mark and its partners. This can include:
Updates and photos
Pre-prints or publications
Datasets and protocols
Presentations (online or in person)
Why? Because it’s important that donors and partners can see the difference they’re making through science.
We encourage researchers to report bi-annually, but there is no strict timeline.
Do you have a proposal to submit?
First, check the evaluation criteria on our Researcher FAQs page. When you’re ready to send in your proposal, you can email it by clicking the button, below.
Project Spotlight
