NOAA Solicits Proposals for 2009 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Program

enlarge image Empty sea scallop shell taken by submersible at "The Steeples," a deep-water area off South Carolina, provides home for a variety of tiny sea life. Habitat characterization and reducing the effects of fishing on habitat are two research priorities for the 2009 search set-aside program. Credit NOAA enlarge image Atlantic sea scallops coming aboard a commercial vessel, 1999. Credit NOAA

Related Links Fishwatch--Atlantic sea scallop seafood facts Status of the Stocks--Atlantic sea scallops

NOAA Fisheries Service is now accepting proposals under the Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Program for scallop-related research activities to be conducted in the 2009 scallop fishing year (March 1, 2009 – February 28, 2010).  Full proposals must be received by NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center on or before 5 p.m. EDT, August 25, 2008.

Based on the New England Fishery Management Council’s recommendations, NOAA set aside two percent of the 2009 Atlantic sea scallop quota to fund scallop-related research proposals and compensate participating vessels through the sale of scallops harvested under the research set-aside quota.  Priority will be given to scallop research proposals that include, among other things, industry-based surveys of access areas and areas not surveyed by NOAA; scallop biology; means for reducing groundfish bycatch; methods for reducing habitat impacts; habitat characterization research; identification of sources and ways to minimize sea turtle interactions; improved information concerning sea scallop abundance, distribution, size composition and density of sea scallops; scallop and area management research; research projects that would help calibrate the transition of the federal dredge surveys.  Further details about research priorities can be found under the Program Priorities section of the Federal Funding Opportunity.  No federal funds are provided for research under the Scallop RSA Program. 

For complete details on the 2009 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Program, and how to apply, please visit the Grants Online website:

• Under "Quick Links" for applicants (right side of page) click on "Grant Search". 
• Search for Funding Opportunity Number NMFS-NEFSC-2009-2001472.

The Federal Register notice announcing the 2009 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Program and the Federal Funding Opportunity announcement are also posted here on the Northeast Regional Office’s website.

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