Call For Projects
Find out how to apply for funding through Moana Mark
2026 Funding Proposals
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1st to 31st March
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2026 Funding Proposals . 1st to 31st March .
Do you have a marine research project you’re passionate about?
Whether you’re a postgraduate student or an established researcher, the main things you need are curiosity, a clear research question, 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:
Academic researchers (including postgraduate students)
Universities and research institutions
Registered charities and incorporated societies
Iwi-led environmental initiatives
Community conservation organisations
Collaborative science partnerships
Projects must be based in Aotearoa New Zealand. Applicants must be legally constituted or partnered with an eligible organisation to receive and manage funding.
We fund research that:
Our funding supports scientifically robust, conservation-led initiatives that contribute to long-term marine knowledge, ecosystem resilience, and applied conservation impact.
Focuses on marine or coastal ecosystems
Uses scientifically rigorous or evidence-based approaches
Delivers measurable conservation outcomes
Contributes to long-term datasets, monitoring, or applied conservation
Demonstrates clearly defined objectives and methodology
Which projects may be given priority?
✔ Marine mammal ecology and population studies
✔ Coastal and offshore biodiversity monitoring
✔ Habitat restoration and ecosystem resilience
✔ Climate impacts on marine systems
✔ Conservation technologies and innovation
✔ Integration of Mātauranga Māori and Western science
How much funding is available?
Applicants may apply for funding between:
Minimum: $1,000
Maximum: $10,000
Projects may be fully funded, partially funded, or co-funded.
All applications will be assessed for both funding eligibility and potential endorsement.
What do we look for in a project proposal?
To be approved, projects must meet the following criteria:
1. Conservation relevance and measurable outcomes
Your project should aim to make an impact, with proven, impactful results.
2. Scientific merit and a robust methodology
Your approach must be valid, reliable, able to be applied to a larger population, and include measures to reduce bias.
3. Feasibility & value for money
Funds should be available at the time of assessment, and you should be able to complete the project within the constraints of the budget.
4. The necessary approvals & permits
If your project involves animal or human subjects, ethics approval and required permits must be submitted before funding can be approved.
5. Organisational & team capability
Your organisation should have the skills and resources required to effectively carry out the research.
6. Alignment with Moana Mark priorities
Your project must focus on marine or coastal ecosystems and have measurable conservation outcomes.
Your project must
✔ Be completed within one year of the agreed start date
✔ Deliver clearly defined milestones and outcomes
✔ Provide reporting aligned with agreed timelines
What You Need to Submit:
Applicants must submit one consolidated project proposal document (PDF format preferred) that includes:
Project summary
Research objectives and methodology
Timeline and key milestones (within one year)
Detailed budget (including co-funding sources, if applicable)
Expected conservation and knowledge outcomes
Governance structure and team expertise
Confirmation of any required permits or ethics approvals
Applications that do not include all required information may not be assessed.
FAQs
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about project proposals. Click here for the full researcher FAQs.
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Projects must be completed within one year of the agreed start date.
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Yes. Equipment purchases directly required for the project are eligible.
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Yes. Reasonable and clearly justified overheads may be included.
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Yes. Co-funding is permitted and should be clearly identified in the proposal.
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Not necessarily. We may fully fund, partially fund, or co-fund projects depending on assessment outcomes and available funds.
What do researchers give back?
Successful funded projects will be required to:
Provide agreed progress updates
Submit a final report outlining outcomes and impact
Provide summaries and imagery suitable for public reporting
Acknowledge Moana Mark and funding partners in publications and communications
Ready to submit your proposal?
Email your completed project proposal to: krista@moanamark.com
Subject line: Moana Mark Project Application 2026
Moana Mark Endorsed Projects
Projects that demonstrate strong scientific merit, conservation relevance, and alignment with Moana Mark’s kaupapa, but are not selected for funding, may be invited to become a Moana Mark Endorsed Project. These projects:
May be featured on moanamark.com
May be highlighted to funding partners and donors
May be considered for future funding opportunities
May reference their endorsement in communications (with approval)
The purpose of endorsement is to recognise credible marine science initiatives and increase their visibility to potential supporters.
Applicants will be contacted prior to public listing, and written consent will be required before a project is promoted as a Moana Mark Endorsed Project.