Funding for Small Conservation Project Now Open
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, including the Irish Ocean Literacy Network, and all Island Network of individuals and organisations working towards an ocean literate society across the island of Ireland.
CONSERVATION GRANTS
As part of this theme and focus, the Aquarium is delighted to announce that it will fund between 3- 5 small scale conservation projects again this year, which can focus on education and engagement; native species and habitats; or involve a local community or community group, with a special focus on marine or freshwater.
The primary aim of these grants is to support and encourage the next generation, or individuals already involved in this area of work, but struggling to fund the work they are doing.
The Aquarium would also welcome novel projects based on Art or Music, which use creative methods to engage audiences.
Past Grant Winners
Successful applicants in 2023 included the Sea Collective in Donegal, The Ray Project, Scoil Caitriona Junior Renmore Galway, Sea Synergy in Waterville Co. Kerry and a collaboration of four coastal community organisations including Fenit Coast Conservation who carried out ‘The Flowering Plants of the Black Rock Pool Seagrass Project’. While in 2024, sucessful projects included the Native Oyster research by Sea Synergy, The Sponge Project, a collaboration between Seasearch Ireland, the Univeristy of Galway and the Aquarium, and Sperm Whale monitoring and aging by Sean O’ Callaghan, a PhD student from the Atlantic Technological University. More details can be found in the reports below.
APPLY TODAY
The maximum value of an individual grant is €2500. In general, a project is expected to be completed within 12 months, however projects that extend past June 2026 are eligible. Applications should be submitted to info@nationalaquarium.ie by 5 pm on 29th June 2025 using the Small Grant Application form which can be viewed below. (PDF and Word File Versions)
Word Document:
It is anticipated that the final decisions on applications will be notified to applicants by mid July 2025.