Most scientists agree that unsustainable fishing is one of the most significant threats to ocean ecosystems. The Foundation has long supported efforts to address this problem, including work on fisheries management and, more recently, efforts to change the United States market for seafood.  We seek to complement marine policy initiatives by building market, business, and consumer support for improved conservation and management of marine fisheries worldwide. By creating powerful incentives for responsible fisheries management, the global seafood market can and will be transformed.
 
What We Fund
Examples of what we fund can be illustrated by the approaches employed by grantee organizations, including:

• Independently certifying marine fisheries and ecolabeling seafood products from certified sources;
• Raising awareness among seafood consumers and influencing their choices in the marketplace;
• Reaching out to gatekeeper chefs and restaurateurs to influence the behavior of the food service sector, which accounts for two-thirds of all retail seafood sales;
• Forming new business-environment partnerships with progressive elements of the fisheries and seafood sectors;
• Persuading seafood market leaders to deal only in products from sustainable, well-managed fisheries; and
• Working with progressive industry leaders to enhance the effectiveness of public advocacy for ocean conservation.

What We Do Not Fund
We do not fund fisheries management activities directly, and we are phasing out support for work on federal-level fisheries policy. Proposals to support the assessment of specific fisheries for possible certification under the auspices of the Marine Stewardship Council should be submitted to the Sustainable Fisheries Fund, part of the Resources Legacy Fund Foundation.

Applying for a Grant
Until further notice, the Marine Fisheries subprogram is not considering unsolicited requests for financial support.