Pacific Islands Region Sustainable Recreational and Non-Commercial Fishing Program

Fishermen working together to reel in a catch.

The NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office recognizes the fundamental role that recreational and non-commercial fishing serves in the culture and livelihoods of Pacific Islanders. This competition seeks to support recreational and non-commercial fishing projects in the Pacific Islands region that improve sustainable fishing opportunities, maintain stability of fish stocks, and protect cultural fishing traditions. We are seeking projects conducted within Hawaiʻi, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. 

Recreational and non-commercial fisheries in the region are major economic contributors to coastal communities and have important social and cultural significance through the perpetuation of subsistence and traditional fishing practices. Regular harvest of marine resources for non-profit distribution within fishing communities (customary exchange) and sale of portions of catch to defray expenses are common practices. The region also has both well-established and growing for-hire recreational fishing opportunities available through deep-sea charter boats, guided reef fishing, and eco-tourism.

Proposals must be received at grants.gov, postmarked, or provided to a delivery service by 5:00 p.m., Hawaiʻi Standard Time, on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Use of Grants.gov is preferred. If Grants.gov cannot reasonably be used, use of U.S. mail or another delivery service must be documented with a receipt; private metered postmarks are not acceptable. Postmarked applications received more than seven business days following the closing date will not be accepted. No facsimile or electronic mail applications will be accepted.