Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation CERF

📢 Action Alert - Submit Comments by July 13

The US government is proposing changes to a rule that lays out requirements for all federal grants; these changes would fundamentally reshape how science is conducted in the US. They would shift grant decisions away from merit-based peer review to political priorities, allow awards to be terminated without cause, and severely restrict or prohibit international collaboration, DEI activities, conference travel, and publication costs. We have joined the American Physical Society efforts to fight back, and we encourage CERF members to use the APS web form to submit public comments: https://www.aps.org/initiatives/advocate-amplify/policy/federal-grants-rule-change

Join the American Physical Society campaign and put a human face on your US grant-funded work. OMB is proposing changes to federal grant rules that would fundamentally reshape research in the US; by sharing photos explaining why you submitted a comment on the proposed OMB rule, you help illustrate the real people, careers, and scientific work that could be affected by the changes.

Write your reason on a sheet of paper, take a photo of yourself holding the sign, and post it to your social media with - and tag APS and Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation CERF!

We also encourage you to submit public comments by July 13 through the APS web form: https://www.aps.org/initiatives/advocate-amplify/policy/federal-grants-rule-change

! Last week, CERF Executive Director Susan Park attended the Atlantic Canada Coastal and Estuarine Science Society and Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership joint meeting at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. She was accompanied by Rising TIDES scholars Natalia Schoenberg (Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Kendra Sampson (Acadia University and Saint Mary's University Halifax) who both gave presentations. Congrats to Kendra on winning a presentation award, and thank you to ACCESS and BoFEP for hosting an informative and engaging meeting!

One of our affiliate societies, the New England Estuarine Research Society, just launched a new Instagram.

Go give them a follow to stay in the loop on all things happening across the region 🌊

The 2026 Spring Meeting of the New England Estuarine Research Society (NEERS) was held 24-25 April at SUNY Plattsburgh. Two current scholars, Nana Obeng Adu-Agyei and Tamara Rivera, along with two alum mentors, Danielle Perry and Valeria Hernandez Talavera. Congratulations to Tamara on receiving the best graduate student presentation, and thank you to NEERS for welcoming our scholars and hosting a great meeting!

🌊 Calling all Grad Students! 🌊

Are you ready to dive into the world of coastal policy and marine management? The 2026 E. Gordon Grau Fellowship is officially accepting applications!
This 2-year paid fellowship program matches highly motivated graduates with host offices in state, federal, or municipal agencies and nonprofits across Hawaiʻi.

💰 The Perk: $66,000 annual stipend ($5,500/month)

📍 The Impact: Work on watershed management, marine policy, and conservation in Hawaiʻi.

🎓 Eligibility: Recent graduates (Masters, PhD, or JD) from Hawaiʻi institutions, OR Hawaiʻi high school grads who studied outside of Hawaiʻi!

🗓️ APPLICATIONS DUE: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, by 5:00 PM HST.

How to apply: Submit your CV, personal statement, and transcripts via eSeaGrant.