Sea Grant–NMFS PhD Fellowship: $54,166 Per Year for Marine Resource Economics & Ecosystem Dynamics - Deadline Jan 27, 2026

The National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) have opened applications for the 2026 Ph.D. Graduate Fellowship. This is the premier funding opportunity for doctoral students specializing in Population and Ecosystem Dynamics (PED) and Marine Resource Economics (MRE).

Selected fellows will receive a substantial award of up to $66,700 in federal funding per year, which can be used for stipend, tuition, and research expenses. This multi-year fellowship (up to 3 years) is designed to train the next generation of scientists to manage the nation’s living marine resources. The deadline to apply through your local Sea Grant program is January 27, 2026.

Fellowship Overview & Key Details

Two Specialized Tracks

This fellowship is strictly for students in two specific high-demand fields. You must apply to one of the following tracks:

• Population and Ecosystem Dynamics (PED): Focuses on quantitative ecology, stock assessment methodologies, and marine ecosystem modeling. Ideal for students in wildlife biology, fishery biology, or applied statistics.
• Marine Resource Economics (MRE): Focuses on the economics of the conservation and management of living marine resources. Ideal for students in natural resource economics or environmental economics.

Eligibility Criteria

The competition is national, but you must meet specific academic and citizenship requirements. To qualify, you must:

• Citizenship: Be a United States Citizen.
• Academic Status: Be a PhD student (prospective or current). You must be admitted to or enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited U.S. university in a related field.
• Mentorship: You must have two mentors:
  1. Your academic faculty advisor.
  2. A NMFS mentor from a participating NMFS Science Center or Laboratory who will guide your research on problems relevant to NMFS.

Financial Benefits

The fellowship offers a robust financial package to support your doctoral journey: Total Value: The federal award is $66,700 per year. Matching Funds: Your university is required to provide at least 20% in matching funds. Coverage: Funds can be used for your stipend, tuition, fees, equipment, supplies, and travel (including the mandatory annual Fellows meeting).

Application Requirements

To apply, you will need to compile a comprehensive proposal packet. Do not miss any of these components:

1. Project Proposal: A detailed plan addressing a problem of public interest and relevance to NMFS.
2. CVs: For yourself, your faculty advisor, and your NMFS mentor.
3. Summary of Training: A breakdown of your academic training in quantitative methods.
4. Transcripts: Official copies from all institutions attended.
5. Education & Career Statement: Your goals for the fellowship and beyond.
6. Letters of Recommendation: Two signed letters (one must be from your faculty advisor).

How to Apply

Do not apply via Grants.gov directly. You must submit your application to the Sea Grant program in your state (or the closest one to you). Pro Tip: Contact your local Sea Grant program officer at least one month before the deadline to discuss your application and the submission process (often via eSeaGrant).

Official Application Link: Click Here to Visit NMFS-Sea Grant Fellowship Page