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Shell Marine Habitat Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Shell Marine Habitat Program do?
Why is there a need for the Shell Marine Habitat Program?
Who will oversee the Shell Marine Habitat Program?
Why is Shell Oil Company doing this?
How does the program work?
What is Shell Oil Company's commitment to the program?
What is the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation?
When will the grants be announced?
How does one obtain more information about or contribute to the Shell Marine Habitat Program?
How does one apply for a Shell Marine Habitat Program grant?
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It is a cooperative effort between Shell Oil Company and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to create a fund for conservation of the Gulf of Mexico marine and estuarine environment.
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Operated by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Shell Marine Habitat Program is designed to further our understanding of the dynamics between estuaries, oceans, and man's use of and involvement with them. Gulf Coast marine management research, habitat protection, and environmental education projects are expected to be funded via the program. Potential focus areas could include barrier island protection, coral reefs, exotic species, hypoxia (periodic low oxygen levels in coastal waters), marine debris, red and brown tides, redfish and other key species, reduction in non-point source pollution, rigs to reefs, wetlands and other key habitat conservation and enhancement.
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Resources are required to support projects to conserve, protect, and enhance the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. By leveraging Shell Oil Company's $5 million commitment through a competitive challenge grant program, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will be able to multiply the value of the initial investment and fund important conservation projects to enhance fish, wildlife, and habitat in the Gulf of Mexico.
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The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will manage and oversee the program.
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The people at Shell have long believed we have a responsibility to protect and conserve the environment in our daily business operations. A thriving and vibrant Gulf of Mexico is critical to all of us. Much of Shell's business is centered in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Gulf Coast. In addition, the vast majority of Shell's employees live, work, and retire in the region. Shell Oil Company views this commitment to support projects that will conserve and protect the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem as an important investment in the future.
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The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will manage the marine conservation fund and will leverage Shell Oil Company's contribution through challenge grants. Grants will be provided through a competitive, peer-reviewed, matching fund program. In this way, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation hopes to double or triple Shell Oil Company's contribution to promote problem-solving habitat restoration projects, practical research, education programs, and innovative responses to conserve the Gulf of Mexico marine environment. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will solicit proposals twice a year. The proposals will be peer-reviewed by a panel of marine experts selected by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Final funding decisions will be made by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
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Shell Oil Company Foundation has provided the funding to launch the Shell Marine Habitat Program through a multi-year $5 million commitment.
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The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was established by an Act of Congress in 1984. Dedicated to promoting improved conservation and sustainable use of our nation's natural resources, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's goals are to continuously improve environmental education, natural resource management, habitat protection, ecosystem function, and public policy. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has funded domestic grants in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and in 33 other countries.
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Grants will be announced twice annually in March and July.
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For more information, visit the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation web site at http://www.nfwf.org or write to: Shell Marine Habitat Program c/o National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 1120 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 900 Washington, DC 20036 or call: Michelle Soho at 202-857-0166 or email her at soho@nfwf.org
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A grant application can be obtained from the Shell Marine Habitat Program page of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation web site at http://www.nfwf.org or by writing the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation at the address above
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