The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking research and development proposals in several priority areas to help the fishing industry and fishing communities, the Commerce Department agency announced today.

The administration has requested $1.5 million for the Saltonstall-Kennedy (S-K) Grant Program to fund research and development projects in FY 2000 (which begins October 1, 1999).

"S-K grants benefit everyone in the fishing community by bringing together fishermen, scientists, and industry experts to improve our understanding of and better address fishing issues," said Penny Dalton, director of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. "These grants also benefit the resource through conservation engineering to reduce unwanted catch or provide alternatives to current harvest practices."

The proposals would be competitively selected based on a review for technical merit followed by a review by constituents to determine those proposals with the most benefit to stakeholders. Proposals must address one of the following funding priorities: optimize utilization of fishery resources under state and federal management; develop off-shore aquaculture; assist in fishing community transition; and improve conservation engineering.

The deadline for submitting a grant application is Friday, Aug. 20, 1999.

S-K grants are awarded for up to 18 months. For the FY 2000 solicitation, a minimum cost share of 10 percent is required, which may be in the form of cash or in-kind contributions.

A copy of the solicitation notice and application materials is available on the S-K home page at: www.nmfs.gov/sfweb/skhome.html, or contact a NOAA Fisheries regional office.