The application process for the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is now open. The Fund provides funding for projects between $5-25K centered on four key areas: species research, habitat protection, conservation education, and animal rescue/rehab. Annually, the Fund typically provides over $1 million in grants. This year, the Fund is providing specific areas of focus for applicants (those potentially pertaining to the marine mammal community detailed below). For more information about the Fund and the projects it supports, and to download the application form, visit www.swbg-conservationfund.org<http://www.swbg-conservationfund.org> Applications will be accepted through January 1, 2014. SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund Priorities Conservation Education Nature Deficit Disorder Programs designed to encourage youth to spend more time outdoors connecting with nature. This includes education programs for youth who live in biodiverse range countries to understand the value of nature and the mechanisms for sustainability. Leadership Development Programs designed to identify potential conservation leaders and develop their leadership skills and knowledge base. Specifically, these programs can target young adults and offer peer connections within the conservation community to further develop the next generation of conservation leaders. Species Research Marine Fish Sustainability Research that contributes to the ability to create sustainable populations of marine fishes through aquaculture, with great emphasis on the most popular marine fishes in home hobbyist and commercial aquariums. Research can focus on fish lifecycles, nutrition, reproduction and aquaculture techniques. Marine Mammals Research on the behavior, distribution, reproduction, longevity, mortality, physiology and population health of marine mammals. Research also can include diet studies, disease detection, prevention and treatment, and testing of new data collection technologies. Particular interest in research focused on killer whales, other cetaceans, pinnipeds and manatees. Arctic Mammals and Environment Research on the effects of climate change/global warming on arctic animals, with particular focus on polar bears and other marine mammals. Research can include distribution and population studies, behavioral ethology, and research incorporating zoological animal comparison. Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Species Specific Rescue and Rehabilitation Programs designed to protect, rescue or rehabilitate manatees. Native Wildlife in Our Park Communities Native wildlife rescue programs located in Florida, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, or Virginia. Proposals that focus on small equipment purchase, supplies and dietary needs are most successful. Habitat Protection MesoAmerican Reef Protection and Restoration Support for the creation, restoration and maintenance of marine protected areas along the MesoAmerican Reef. Successful proposals can include research necessary to implement marine protected areas, populations studies of reef species, and restoration efforts to reverse the impacts of man-made and natural impacts to the reef. Marine and Aquatic Debris Efforts to remove marine and aquatic debris from waterways, estuaries, coasts and underwater. Includes efforts to identify sources of pollution and physically remove debris. Anti-Poaching Efforts Efforts to reduce poaching of endangered and threatened species, including anti-snare activities. Bill Street Corporate Curator of Conservation and Education SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment 3605 E. Bougainvillea Avenue Tampa, FL 33612 813.987.5551 cell: 813.918.5246