NOAA 2002-065 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Gordon Helm 5/24/02

NOAA News Releases 2002 NOAA Home Page NOAA Public Affairs

NOAA SEEKING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR PROJECTS TO STRENGTHEN AND IMPROVE THE U.S. FISHING INDUSTRY $10.3 Million Available through Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program for FY 2002 The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) is seeking research and development proposals in several priority areas to help the fishing industry and fishing communities, the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced today. "Saltonstall-Kennedy 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 William T. Hogarth, director of the fisheries service. "These grants also benefit fisheries resources through conservation engineering to reduce unwanted catch or provide alternatives to current harvest practices." The Saltonstall-Kennedy Program provides financial assistance on a competitive basis. The proposals are competitively selected based on a review for technical merit followed by a review by constituents to determine which proposals have the most potential. Proposals must address one of the following funding priorities: A. Atlantic salmon aquaculture development considering the endangered species status of Atlantic salmon B. Fishing capacity reduction under Magnuson-Stevens Act sections 312(b)-(e) C. Conservation engineering D. Optimum utilization of harvested resources under Federal or state management E. Marine Aquaculture F. Fisheries Socioeconomics Of the expected $10.3 million available for award, $5 million is reserved for projects dealing with Priority A. The remaining funds will be used, in no predetermined amounts, to fund projects dealing with Priorities B-F. The deadline for submitting an application is Monday, July 15, 2002. Saltonstall-Kennedy grants are awarded for up to 18 months. For the FY 2002 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 are available on the Saltonstall-Kennedy Program Web page at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfweb/skhome.html or through one of the NOAA Fisheries regional offices. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Services (NOAA Fisheries) is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation's living marine resources through scientific research, management, enforcement, and the conservation of marine mammals and other protected marine species and their habitat. To learn more about NOAA fisheries, please visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov.