Galway Atlantaquaria Small Conservation Grants 2026 Now Open
The Small Conservation Grants 20226 Call is now open as the Aquarium launches involvement in EAZA Wetlands for Life Campaign with a special Wetlands Conservation Category.
Galway Atlantaquaria is Ireland’s largest Native Species Aquarium, which celebrates Education, Awareness and Conservation of our Ocean and Life under Water. Situated on the promenade in Salthill, the aquarium has close connections with the local shore on Grattan Beach and Salthill, and a network of conservation and environmental groups in Ireland.
The primary aim of the Small Conservation Grants is to support and encourage the next generation, or individuals already involved in native species / habitat conservation, with a special focus on marine or freshwater. Grants are aimed at volunteer, unpaid graduates, or groups, societies and associations who have limited/no access to financial support for their work.
For 2026/2027, as part of the aquarium’s contribution to the EAZA Wetlands for Life Campaign, a special category relating to wetlands conservation has been added for consideration.
The maximum value of an individual grant is €2500. The number of grants awarded will be determined by the total budget and the quality of the applications. Galway Atlantaquaria reserves the right to award as many grants as are deemed suitable. In general, a project is expected to be completed within 12 months, however projects that extend past June 2027 are eligible. Grant recipients may apply for an extension should there be an unforeseen delay to any project. Any such change must be agreed as early as possible with Galway Atlantaquaria.
Types of projects
Grants will be awarded for work that includes the following criteria:
- Focus on nature conservation and education.
- Benefit endangered or threatened species or habitats in Ireland.#
- Special focus on a Wetland Habitat or Species
- Involve a local community or community group
Successful applicants in 2025 included the investigation of a novel approach for the detection of White Clawed Crayfish by scientist Bogna Griffin working with Doby the Conservation Dog. The Galway Conservation Volunteers (GCV) received funding for the upgrade of one of the Common Tern Rafts on Lough Atalia, while Bríd O’Connor from Marine Dimensions received funding for Educational Materials relating to sharks and skates and rays around Ireland. Finally Siún Ní Cheallaigh from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, received funding for her project on creating an Irish Catalogue for Risso’s Dolphins.
As part of the next Lets Talk Water Event, on the 23rd of April, Bogna, Peter Butler from the GCV and Bríd will speak about the projects they carried out over the last year, and an information session on this years application process will be held. This event is open to all and free to attend but booking is essential.
More information about the 2025 projects can be viewed through our YouTube Playlist.
Application Process
Applications should be submitted by 5pm on 27th April 2026 using the application form below or through the google form. There is a maximum of 1 application per person or organisation in any one year.
Applications will be accepted by email submission to info@nationalaquairum.ie and Galway Atlantaquaria Grants for small conservation projects 2026 should be noted in the email subject field or through the google form.
The application form can be downloaded below or it can be completed online at https://forms.gle/guV4tPZKdaDWs7vN8