As part of its efforts to promote healthy ecosystems and resilient coastal communities, NOAA is announcing today the availability of $9 million in Community-based Restoration Program funding for coastal and marine habitat restoration in 2016.
NOAA is seeking proposals from non-federal partners for habitat restoration projects that will improve the recovery and conservation of protected resources, and help promote productive fisheries. The selected projects will not only support species recovery and sustainable fisheries, but will also yield community and economic benefits such as increased resiliency in the face of coastal hazards, and additional business and recreational opportunities.
“Investing in habitat restoration and recovery leads to real, lasting differences for communities, businesses, and the environment,” said Pat Montanio, director of the Office of Habitat Conservation for NOAA Fisheries. “Healthy habitat is a key component of an ecosystem-based solution for recovering protected species and ensuring sustainable fish populations. Innovative approaches to restoration also provide crucial ecosystem services, such as protection from extreme weather events, coastal flooding, and erosion.”
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Community-based Restoration Program, which was established in 1996 and authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (MSA). Since the program’s beginning, NOAA has provided more than $140 million to implement more than 2,000 habitat restoration projects, all through strong partnerships with over 2,500 organizations. Through the MSA and the Community-based Restoration Program, NOAA and its partners are helping to create healthy habitats and resilient fish populations in the United States.
The deadline for applications for the Community-based Restoration Program funding opportunity is April 6. NOAA will accept proposals with a federal funding request between $100,000 and $5 million over a three year project period. More information can be found online at grants.gov or from NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation.
