NOAA Fisheries has recommended more than US$11.8 million for 44 projects under the 2022 Saltonstall-Kennedy Competitive Grants Program to help develop fisheries across the United States.
The projects fall into two categories:
The funds will help address the needs of fishing communities, support economic opportunities, and build and maintain resilient and sustainable fisheries across the country.
The NOAA said demand for funding was high again this year.
Initially, 270 pre-proposals were received. At least three subject matter experts reviewed 137 full proposals requesting more than US$38 million during the technical merit review phase.
The top proposals in each NOAA Fisheries' region were then recommended for 2022 funding.
The NOAA clarified that, at this point in the selection process, the application approval and recommended funding is not final. Divisions of NOAA and the Department of Commerce, NOAA's parent agency, must still give final approval before successful applicants receive funding.