*2024 Izzy Szczepaniak Cetacean Research Grant* https://www.acs-sfbay.org/research-grant-application *APPLICATION WINDOW:* *OCTOBER 21 – DECEMBER 31, 2024* *AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT:* *JANUARY 2025* *The San Francisco Bay Chapter of the American Cetacean Society is pleased to announce the 2024 research grant of $2500 in honor of marine biologist Isidore Szczepaniak. We are seeking proposals for research on cetaceans on the following geographic area and topics:* *Area of interest*: The California Current Ecosystem and adjacent waters of San Francisco Bay. Marine Protected Areas included in this scope and of special interest are The Greater Farallones, Cordell Bank, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries. *Key Topics of Interest*: Research on the behavior, biology, and distribution of one or more cetacean species living in, migrating through, or dependent on the Area of Interest for biologically important needs such as foraging, mating, calving, or raising young. Proposals can also include topics related to conservation of any species or groups of species being impacted by anthropogenic threats such as ship strike, entanglement, noise, or pollution. Work involving federally Endangered, Threatened, or Depleted species is welcome. A conservation nexus for any proposed work is encouraged but not required as is research involving cetaceans of the Area of Interest and climate change. Research involved that involves museum based studies, reviews and analysis of information in existing databases, and stranded animal studies are also encouraged as they were of special interest to Isidore "Izzy" Szczepaniak. Funding can be used for salaries, equipment, consumable supplies, laboratory supplies and costs, boat fuel and rental, publication and conference fees, software, institutional overhead for any listed expense and travel. Please feel free to contact us if you have any question about allowable expenditures you would like to include in your proposal. *The proposal structure should include the following components:* 1. Cover Letter which includes details of affiliations with universities or organizations, and the Applicants Contact Information 2. Short CV or Biographical Sketch with a Listing of a Minimum of Two Professional References 3. Title of the Project and Short Summary of the Proposed Research 4. Introduction and Background 5. Purpose and Need 6. Materials and Methods 7. Budget and Timeline 8. Anticipated Products and Presentations *Responsibilities of Grantee – please acknowledge:* 1. A progress report, and final report as presentation of results at a chapter monthly meeting as soon after completion as is reasonable. 2. The ACS SF Bay Chapter should be listed and credited for providing funding in the acknowledgements of all peer-reviewed publication, any thesis or dissertation products, at all visual presentations in classrooms or for audiences beyond working teams and advisors. A PDF copy of all products published peer reviewed or others must also be provided to the chapter. The grantee may keep any equipment, supplies, or software purchased with these funds. *Please send application by email* *to the following:* *acs.sfbay.mwebber@gmail.com* <acs.sfbay.mwebber@gmail.com>*, * *acs.sfbay.shopp@gmail.com* <acs.sfbay.shopp@gmail.com>*, * *info@acs.sfbay.shopp@gmail.com* <info@acs.sfbay.shopp@gmail.com> -- Susan Hopp, ACS Chapter Board Member / Speaker Program Development https://www.acs-sfbay.org/events *"What we're doing to the oceans, we are doing to ourselves... we need to respect the oceans and take care of them as if our lives depended on it. Because they do."* Sylvia Earle