The Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) is pleased to announce the awardees of the 2023 Global Outreach Initiative. The ASLO Global Outreach Initiative (GOI) provides mini grants of up to US$3,000 to ASLO members to conduct aquatic science education and engagement projects in their communities.

The 2023 recipients are:

1. Setting sail: expanding ocean science communication opportunities in the US Pacific Island Territories (Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands); Steven Mana‘oakamai Johnson – Cornell University
2. Eco-Kermes for Environmental Education (Melaque, Jalisco, Mexico): Eva R. Kozak – University of Guadalajara, Michelle Ruiz-Ruiz – University of Guadalajara, and Ma. del Carmen Flores-Miranda – University of Guadalajara.
3. Community Outreach for Sustainable Fishery and Conservation of Fish Breeding Sites (Koshi Province, Nepal); Ripesh Kharel – Tribhuvan University.
4. Using Limnological Education to Eradicate Cyclops (the Vector of Guinea worm Dracunculus medinensis) in a Rural Community of Nigeria (Apodu Community, Malete, Nigeria): Moshood Mustapha – University of Ilorin.
5. “Empowering the Blue Generation: Marine Conservation education for Junior High Students towards the establishment of Marine Protected Areas in Ghana” (Western Region, Cape Three Points, Ghana); Justice Camillus Mensah – University of Cape Coast, Ghana, Adiza Ama Owusu Aduomih – Hen Mpoano (Our Coast), and Jennifer Eshilley – Hen Mpoano (Our Coast).

A key component of ASLO’s mission is to advance public awareness and education about aquatic resources and research, as well as promote scientific stewardship of aquatic resources for the public interest. ASLO launched the Global Outreach Initiative in 2012 to assist members outside of the U.S., as well as in Tribal or First Nations communities, in communicating aquatic science with diverse audiences. The ASLO Global Outreach Initiative has since funded 28 projects reaching 20 countries across the world.

Recipients of the GOI award will have one year to complete their initiative. This year’s projects will address rural communities, students ranging in age from elementary to high school, and support a local conference in Northern Mariana Islands. Two of the five projects will work with established local organizations and NGOs. Project updates will be provided on ASLO social media and final reports will be published in Limnology & Oceanography Bulletin.

Bob Chen, Chair of ASLO’s Education and Engagement Committee, which oversees the GOI program, said, “It is clear from this year’s applicants that ASLO members possess the skills and creativity to promote aquatic science in their communities and make a real impact. The 2023 request for proposals was once again highly competitive, with 31 worthy applications representing a combined 21 countries, requesting an amount greater than six times the available funds.”

ASLO President Pat Glibert adds, “ASLO is delighted to extend these awards to an impressive group of diverse science communication projects. I want to thank the Education and Engagement Committee for their dedication to the ongoing success of this initiative and our members for submitting their ideas. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of the funded projects.” 

More information about the program, including a listing of all project locations and previous project products, is available on the ASLO website. You can help ASLO members make an impact in their communities by donating to the Global Outreach Initiative, and other ASLO programs, here: https://www.aslo.org/support-aslo-programs.