What/When:
Two funding opportunities are available to remove marine debris and derelict fishing traps.
Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program is supporting the Virginia Institute of Marine Science solicitation for proposals under their Nationwide Fishing TRAP Program.
Using funding from the NOAA Marine Debris Program provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science will award up to $1,475,000 in grants to remove derelict fishing traps throughout coastal waterways of the United States while collecting data to prevent future gear loss. Projects may range from $50,000 to $200,000. Through a streamlined application process, this competition aims to lower the administrative burden on applicants and allow more organizations to access funds for derelict fishing trap removal.
Priority will be given to projects that provide ecological and/or economic benefits; integrate innovative, sustainable approaches to derelict fishing trap disposal; and take place in sanctuaries, reserves, tribal or Indigenous community fishing grounds, or other protected areas. Projects throughout the coastal United States, including United States territories and Freely Associated States, are eligible for consideration.
To apply, please visit the Virginia Institute of Marine Science website for eligibility and submission information.
Deadline: May 30, 2024.
NOAA Marine Debris Program
With funding from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is seeking applications for approximately $6 million in grants to remove marine debris from coastal communities in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina impacted by Hurricanes Fiona, Ian, and Nicole, and Typhoon Merbok. The program will primarily fund marine debris assessment, removal, restoration, and disposal activities.
More information on the Request for Proposals and upcoming applicant webinar can be found on the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation website.
Deadline: July 26, 2024
Sign Up for Text Message Alerts - Find Out About Immediate Openings and Closures
NOAA's Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery-related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message & data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time.
Text alerts you may receive include:
- Immediate fishery openings and closures
- Any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly
Sign up for one or more of the following groups:
- Gulf of Mexico Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
- Gulf of Mexico Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text GULFCOMMFISH to 888777
- South Atlantic Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text SATLRECFISH to 888777
- South Atlantic Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text SATLCOMMFISH to 888777
- Caribbean Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text CARIBFISH to 888777
Quick Glance Contact List for the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office
Permits Mailbox: The Permits Office in St. Petersburg, Florida, now has a Permits mailbox in the front lobby (263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701). You can now drop off original permits for permit transfers. Envelopes with information labels will be provided so that your documents can be attached to the correct application. The mailbox will be checked daily. For more information, contact the Permits Office at 877-376-4877.
Media Contact: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750
Recreational Fishing Coordinator: Sean Meehan, 727-385-5202
