November 28, 2014 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has announced the fifth round of Fishery Innovation Fund grant opportunities. The goal of the Fund, launched in 2010, is to increase revenue and provide additional access and fishing opportunities for both commercial and recreational fishermen and was created through a partnership between NFWF and NOAA, with additional support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation. The pre-proposal due date is December 19, 2014.
The Fund is a grant program designed to foster innovation in the fishing industry in order to sustain fishermen's livelihoods while rebuilding fish stocks. It supports the participation of fishermen and their communities in securing sustainable fisheries in the U.S. This year, NFWF anticipates awarding $1.16 million through this solicitation.
Successful proposals will develop innovative approaches to:
I. Build the capacity of fishing businesses and communities to improve their sustainability and access additional forms of financing (loans and equity).
II. Support full utilization of Annual Catch Limits and minimize bycatch of overfished and endangered, threatened, and candidate species.
III. Improve the quality, quantity, and timeliness of fisheries-dependent data used for science, management, and fishermen's business purposes.
Full details about how to apply, evaluation criteria, and application assistance can be found on the NFWF website.