To understand and predict our changing environment, from the deep sea to outer space, and to manage and conserve America's coastal and marine resources.
The NOAA Coastal Management Fellowship aims to provide postgraduate students with on-the-job education and training in coastal resource management and policy while offering project assistance to state coastal zone management programs. Established in 1996, this program places up to nine fellows annually with state coastal programs for a two-year tenure. Fellows work on projects proposed by state coastal zone management programs and selected by NOAA, receiving a competitive salary, medical benefits, and reimbursements for travel and relocation expenses. The fellowship also requires a cost-sharing component from hosting organizations and provides fellows with professional development funds, part of which must be used for attending mandatory meetings and conferences related to coastal management. The matching process for placement involves both virtual and in-person elements, including project presentations by hosts, finalist presentations, and final matching of fellows with host organizations.