Investing in the long-term health of Australian Marine Parks

The Australian Government has launched the fourth round of Our Marine Parks Grants program, with $8.6 million available for organisations to take an active role in supporting the management of Australia’s 3.82 million km2 network of Australian Marine Parks.

Applications are now open for grants between $30,000 and $500,000, to support projects that provide opportunities for First Nations peoples, regional communities, scientists, and fishers to undertake activities that enhance the understanding, protection, and sustainability of marine parks.

The Australian Government values the role First Nations peoples’ have managing Sea Country and protecting their cultural heritage, which is crucial to achieving environmental outcomes. The Our Marine Parks Grants Program will increase opportunities to integrate First Nations’ knowledge and participation in protecting and restoring Australia’s marine heritage and environment.

$19.6 million of Australian Government funding has already supported 64 projects across diverse geographic locations through three previous rounds of Our Marine Parks Grants.

These projects have delivered some outstanding marine conservation outcomes including increased marine park user and industry engagement in park management, improved sustainability of fishing practices, and improved knowledge of Australian Marine Parks.

This is a fantastic opportunity for organisations and communities to think creatively and put forward innovative, inspiring, and collaborative project ideas.

Applications open on 27 July 2023 and close at 9pm AEST on 27 September 2023.

The grant guidelines and other supporting documents are on the Community Grants Hub website.

For more information on the Our Marine Parks Grants Program, visit the Parks Australia website.

Partnerships with the science community, marine management agencies, Sea Country managers and marine park users are critical for delivering our science priorities. For the purpose of the Our Marine Parks Grants Round Four, science priorities can be used to help guide the preparation of applications.

Note: this is not an exhaustive list of priorities. Addressing of the grant guideline objectives, outcomes and selection criteria will be the key considerations when assessing applications.