Inviting Applications April 27 – May 26, 2026
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
In honor of Caroline Gibson’s enduring love and commitment to the Salish Sea, the Northwest Straits Foundation is pleased to invite applications for the Caroline Gibson Scholarship in Marine Studies. Scholarships support current graduate students pursuing academic studies in marine science, policy, education and management of the Salish Sea. Three scholarships of $3,500 will be awarded to graduate students in the Salish Sea region of Washington and British Columbia. Applications are being accepted until May 26, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be announced in July for the academic year starting in September.
Caroline Gibson
During her career in the Northwest Straits, Caroline served as Director of the Northwest Straits Foundation, as Marine Program Manager at the Northwest Straits Commission, and as a member of the Jefferson Marine Resources Committee. Her spark and passion inspired others to not just talk about marine conservation, but to roll up their sleeves and do it! Caroline Gibson worked tirelessly protecting and restoring the Salish Sea. One of her greatest contributions was raising attention to bull kelp and creating a monitoring network to greatly expand availability of data for its protection.
Caroline used her knowledge of the fishing industry and strong personal relationships to assist NOAA in driving an effort to engage commercial fishers in ways preventing lost derelict fishing gear. The candid conversations she fostered, and insights she gathered, led to improved fishing practices and reduced netloss. Caroline passed away in July, 2021 so we’re carrying on her work by supporting the next generation of marine conservationists.
ABOUT THE NORTHWEST STRAITS FOUNDATION
Our mission is to restore and preserve the long-term health of the Salish Sea by fostering collaboration, encouraging stewardship and conservation, and implementing science-based restoration. Since our founding in 2001, the Foundation has invested more than $30 million dollars and countless volunteer hours in marine coastal restoration, environmental stewardship, derelict gear removal, monitoring, public education and most recently, academic scholarships across the Salish Sea region. The Caroline Gibson Scholarship is made possible by the generous support of her friends, family and donors like you. To learn more, please visit: https://nwstraitsfoundation.org/scholars-interns//#marinescholars
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit a completed application comprised of the essay questions and supporting details listed below:
- Your name, mailing address, phone and email.
- Education information: university attending; degree program and major; anticipated graduation; and, why you chose this school or program.
- Tell us what makes you a good candidate for this scholarship. Please answer the following questions:
- Essay 1: What Salish Sea environmental threat are you most interested in or studying today, and why is it important? (500 – 1000 words)
- Essay 2: How do you hope to be involved in marine conservation because of your studies? (500 – 1000 words)
- Essay 3: Please describe a conservation project you’ve been involved in and how it was successful. (250 – 500 words)
- Please provide three references with at least one being academic. Include name, title,n address, email and phone.
Email your completed application to don@nwstraitsfoundation.org titled “Caroline Gibson Scholarship Application.”
You may email don@nwstraitsfoundation.org with questions about the scholarship application. Please allow one-to-two days for a response.
Thanks for sharing our commitment to a healthy and resilient Salish Sea!