As part of its efforts to build resilient coastal communities and sustainable marine resources, NMFS announced the availability of approximately $10 million in competitive grants through the 2016 Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program.
The program addresses the needs of fishing communities and increases opportunities to keep working waterfronts viable by funding fisheries research and development projects.
Emphasis is being placed on rebuilding fish stocks, maintaining and restoring healthy ocean and coastal ecosystems, and promoting the economic vitality of fishery working waterfront communities.
“The Saltonstall-Kennedy Program helps fishing communities across the country keep their economies thriving by building and maintaining sustainable fisheries and practices,” said Eileen Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries, in a press release. “Funds from the program keep working waterfronts vibrant and help coastal communities with conservation and management measures. We hope to see proposals from across the nation and U.S. territories, each providing a unique approach to research and project development.”
To be considered for funding, projects should advance research in one of the following focus areas:
-Aquaculture
-Fishery data collection
-Techniques for reducing bycatch and other adverse impacts
-Adapting to climate change and other long term ecosystem change
-Promotion, development, and marketing Socio-economic research
-Science coming from within the U.S. territories
The 2016 deadline for proposals is Nov. 2, 2015. Information on eligibility and application requirements can be found at www.grants.gov. Additional application instructions are available on the NMFS website.
