Marine and Coastal Conservation

From the Pacific to the Caribbean, the Foundation awarded more than $17 million in the last year to protect unique coastal and marine habitats and species. The Foundation’s priorities include:

Coral Reef Conservation

The Foundation invests in the establishment and management of marine protected areas, similar in some ways to terrestrial National Parks to protect unique and sensitive habitats like coral reefs so that they can continue to support local economies and be enjoyed by visitors well into the future. Key support is provided to reduce levels of pollution and other human impacts affecting corals and other marine species and to work with conservation groups, local communities and management authorities to improve both the protection and management of these fragile resources.

Coastal Habitat Protection

Through grants for environmental education, habitat restoration and species conservation, the Foundation is making an impact for species such as the Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, piping plovers and many others dependent on the beaches, intertidal marshes, sea grass beds and other coastal habitats critical for breeding, feeding and nesting. In the last year, the Foundation has awarded more than $15 million for coastal protection efforts on the Long Island Sound, the Delaware Bay, the Chesapeake Bay, Tampa Bay, the Gulf Coast, San Francisco Bay, Puget Sound and the Great Lakes.

Marine Debris Prevention and Removal

Derelict fishing gear and other man-made materials discarded into the coastal or marine environment can harm fragile natural systems. The Foundation awards funds for projects that seek to work with marinas, ports, and the fishing industry to significantly reduce the occurrence of debris in our marine environment.