NMFS Announces Fisheries R & D Program

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is accepting applications for the FY96 round of the Saltonstall-Kennedy (S-K) Grant Program. The S-K grant program supports research and development projects that address various aspects of commercial and recreational fisheries including harvesting, processing, and marketing. The program focuses on rebuilding U.S. fisheries for sustainable use. The FY96 base funding for this program is approximately $7.0 million.

Funding priorities are: bycatch reduction; fisheries utilization; fisheries management; aquaculture; and, product quality and safety. Projects primarily involving data collection should be directed to a specific problem or need, and be of a fixed duration. Funding will not be provided for projects primarily involving infrastructure construction, port or harbor development, and start-up or operational costs for private business ventures.

Generally S-K grants or cooperative agreements are awarded for a period of one year, but no more than 18 months at a time. According to NMFS, the S-K grant program does not require cost-sharing, but it is encouraged. If project costs are shared, NMFS must provide at least 50 percent of the total project costs.

Applications must be received by May 20, 1996 and will be accepted from individuals, corporations, partnerships, and associations, including nonprofit entities.