Deadline: 22-Oct-21
The Department of Commerce is pleased to announce a Cooperative Research Program that funds projects seeking to improve the working relationship between fisheries researchers from NMFS, state fishery agencies, universities, and the U.S. fishing industry (recreational and commercial) in the Gulf of Mexico (FL, AL, MS, LA, TX), South Atlantic (FL, NC, SC, GA) and Caribbean (USVI and Puerto Rico).
The program bolsters partnerships by providing a way for involving commercial and recreational fishermen in the collection of fundamental fisheries information in support of management and regulatory options. This program addresses NOAA’s mission to “Protect, Restore, and Manage the Use of Coastal and Ocean Resources through an Ecosystem Approach to Management.”
Priorities
Proposals must address one of the priority areas listed below as they pertain to Federally managed species or species relevant to Federal fisheries management plans, informed by the research priorities of the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Fishery Management Councils.
The priorities are not listed in any particular order of importance. If you select more than one priority, please clearly identify on your application the priority that most closely reflects the objectives of your proposal.
The main premise for a CRP project is to bolster partnerships between the U.S. fishing industry and fisheries researchers by involving commercial and recreational fishermen in the collection of fundamental fisheries information to aid fishery researchers, scientists, and managers to make informed decisions on management and regulatory options. Stocks managed under the Magnuson-Stevens Act are top priority, and they encourage research that can be utilized in upcoming stock assessments.
High priority federally managed FMP species are listed here, by Fishery Management Council, for the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, Caribbean and Highly Migratory Species groups within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for the Region.
- Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) Priority Species: Red snapper, Yellowtail snapper, Vermillion snapper, King mackerel, Scamp, Gag, Yellowmouth grouper, Goliath grouper, Black grouper, Greater Amberjack, and Almaco jack in the Gulf of Mexico from the west coast of Florida through Texas.
- South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) Priority Species: Red snapper, Yellowtail snapper, White grunt, Gray triggerfish, Tilefish, Red grouper, Snowy grouper, Black sea bass, King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and Dolphinfish in the South Atlantic EEZ from North Carolina to the east coast of Florida.
- Caribbean Fishery Management Council Priority Species: Yellowtail snapper, Queen triggerfish, deepwater snappers, grouper complex, and parrotfish in the EEZ off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- HMS Species complex of Sharks, Tunas and Billfish, especially sandbar, dusky and shortfin mako sharks, swordfish, and yellowfin tuna. Studies should target HMS species that utilize the Atlantic EEZ from North Carolina to the east coast of Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean, although they may range outside these areas, at times.
Projects should focus on collecting data that aids in recovering, maintaining, or improving the status of stocks upon which fisheries depend; improving the understanding of factors affecting recruitment success and long-term sustainability of fisheries; and/or generating increased opportunities for fisheries. Program priorities include:
- Commercial (including for-hire) and Recreational Finfish and Elasmobranch Fisheries
- Socio-Economic Studies
Funding Information
- Approximately $ 500,000 may be available in fiscal year (FY) 2022 for projects.
- Actual funding availability for this program is contingent upon FY 2022 Congressional appropriations.
- The NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center estimates awarding approximately four projects that will range from $25,000 to $250,000.
- The average award is $125,000. Publication of this notice does not obligate NMFS to award any specific grant or cooperative agreement or any of the available funds.
- Project/Award Period: Awards can be for a maximum period of up to 12 months.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible applicants may be institutions of higher education, nonprofits, commercial
- organizations, individuals, and state, local, and Indian tribal governments. Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible.
- Foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and international organizations are excluded for purposes of this solicitation since the objective of the CRP is to optimize research and development benefits from U.S. marine fishery resources.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=335297