Marine Science Science Sustainability

FY 2020 Community-based Restoration Program Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Grants

NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA-NMFS-HCPO-2020-2006306)

Deadlines
  • LOI: 01/08/2020
  • Proposal: 04/09/2020

Funding

  • Amount: $75,000 - $3M
  • Duration: Up to 3 years

Scope

The principal objective of the NMFS Community-based Restoration Program Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration solicitation is to support habitat restoration projects that use an ecosystem-based approach to foster species recovery and increase populations under NOAA’s jurisdiction. Proposals submitted under this solicitation will be primarily evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate how the proposed habitat restoration actions will:

  1. Contribute to the recovery of threatened and endangered species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (hereafter, Listed Species), including species identified by NMFS as “Species in the Spotlight”
  2. Sustain or help rebuild fish stocks managed under the Magnuson-Stevens FisheryConservation and Management Act (hereafter, Managed Species), or
  3. Contribute to the sustainability of saltwater recreational fisheries by the restoration of habitat that supports the National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy and Implementation Plans.
Highest priority will be given to habitat restoration proposals that have the greatest potential to (in no priority order):
  1. Contribute to the recovery of Listed Species under NOAA jurisdiction, including those species designated by NOAA as Species in the Spotlight, where habitat availability and quality is limiting the recovery of the species. To be considered a priority, restoration projects should also be consistent with priority habitat restoration actions identified in Recovery Plans and 5-Year Action Plans (for Species in the Spotlight).
  2. Sustain or help rebuild populations of Managed Species or their prey, specifically through projects that restore or enhance Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) or address actions supported by Fishery Management Plans.
  3. Contribute to the sustainability of saltwater recreational fisheries by the restoration of habitat that supports the National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy and Implementation Plans.
  4. Provide sustainable and lasting ecological benefits of regional or national significance for the target species and habitat. Projects that restore natural ecosystem function and processes will receive higher priority than projects that install structures that require maintenance. For example, dam removal projects will receive higher priority than projects installing fish passage devices.
  5. Demonstrate importance within the watershed or other geographic boundary through an inclusive planning process that determines the project’s relative importance and context within the landscape. Projects that were developed through collaborative processes and have coordinated investment strategies across multiple organizations will be prioritized.

Eligibility & Submission Requirements

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NOAA Restoration Center staff before submitting an application to discuss their NOAA project ideas with respect to technical merit and NOAA’s objectives. NOAA will make every effort to respond to prospective applicants on a first come, first served basis. These discussions will not include review of draft proposals or site visits during the application period.

Contact Information

Natalie McLenaghan

Email: natalie.mclenaghan@noaa.gov

Telephone:(301) 427-8687