$10 million up for grabs
The National Oceans and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced that up to $10 million in funding is now available for aquaculture or fisheries projects in the United States.
Research priorities include developing responsible marine aquaculture to create jobs in coastal communities, producing healthy local seafood, revitalizing working waterfronts and supporting traditional fishing communities.
The announcement specified that projects that include training former fishermen and others in coastal communities in aquaculture production methods are encouraged.
Successful proposals will address the development and transfer of aquaculture technologies, as well as the development of tools to improve environmental effects of aquaculture to facilitate permit and management decision-making.
Earlier this year, NOAA published a final rule implementing the first ever regional regulatory program for offshore aquaculture in federal waters - expanding opportunities for seafood farming in the US.
Aquaculture in the US currently accounts for only 20% of the value of domestic fishery landings, much lower than other countries, despite representing a significant opportunity for coastal communities and domestic seafood production capacity.
The deadline for proposals is September 20th, 2016.
