Application Solicitation - Scallop Research Set Aside Program

NOAA Fisheries, in coordination with the New England Fishery Management Council (Council), is soliciting proposals for the Scallop Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program.

Due to the timing of this announcement, prospective applicants should anticipate that NOAA Fisheries may not issue a 2027 Scallop RSA Notice of Funding Opportunity, and that all of the 2026 and 2027 set aside scallops may be awarded under this competition. Further, because applicants may not have sufficient time to prepare for field work this year, NOAA Fisheries acknowledges that field work may need to start in 2027.

Applicants that propose to conduct a regional scallop survey may submit proposals with a project award period of up to 4 years. Applicants that propose to conduct regional scallop resource enhancement research may submit proposals with a project award period of up to 3 years. All other applications may have a project award period of up to 2 years. 

Successful applicants are awarded pounds of scallops that have been “set aside” to pay for research expenses; no federal funds are provided. Researchers and fishermen partner to harvest awarded scallops, and the proceeds are used to fund the research and compensate fishing industry partners. 

The Council sets the research priorities, and NOAA Fisheries administers the competition, oversees awarded projects, and oversees set-aside harvest activities. The research set-aside programs are designed to inform resource management decisions and improve stock assessments. Proposals are evaluated for scientific merit and for relevance to scallop fishery management.

Full details on program priorities, eligibility, application and submission, the review and selection process, award information, and more can be found in the related documents posted with the application information.

To proceed with your application or finding out more, click the "Apply" button in the "Overview" box, and search using the grant opportunity number. 

For more information, contact:

Ryan Silva, NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Office, ryan.silva@noaa.gov