Tribal engagement in regional ocean partnerships – round 3 funding FY24-25 penobscot indian nation, NA25NOSX473C0133 tribal engagement in regional ocean partnerships – round 3 funding FY24-25 the…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded $313,995 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the Penobscot Indian Nation's Department of Natural Resources under the Office for Coastal Management program (CFDA 11.473) for a two-year period beginning May 1, 2025 and concluding April 30, 2027. The cooperative agreement funds the Penobscot Nation's Ocean Resources Program to enhance tribal engagement in coastal and marine resource management through expanded staffing, including an Ocean Planning Coordinator position, and active participation in regional ocean governance structures such as the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC).

Key deliverables include developing Geographic Information System (GIS) maps of culturally significant ocean sites, facilitating tribal engagement in federal, state, and regional ocean management discussions, and coordinating intertribal collaborations on shared ocean priorities with Wabanaki tribal partners. The program integrates traditional ecological knowledge with scientific approaches to address coastal hazards, sustainable energy planning, and ecosystem health, while strengthening the Penobscot Nation's capacity to advocate for tribal interests in marine planning and policy. Community outreach efforts will ensure tribal citizen participation in ocean governance decision-making processes, supporting broader NOAA objectives of advancing science-based coastal resilience strategies and enhancing ecosystem protection across coastal regions.

Tribal engagement in regional ocean partnerships – round 3 funding FY24-25 penobscot indian nation, NA25NOSX473C0133 tribal engagement in regional ocean partnerships – round 3 funding FY24-25 the national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is awarding $313,995 through the bipartisan infrastructure law to the penobscot indian nations department of natural resources (pin DNR) over a two-year period to enhance tribal engagement in coastal and marine resource management. This funding supports the continued development of the ocean resources program, which focuses on strengthening the penobscot nations participation in regional ocean partnerships, reestablishing cultural connections to the ocean, and increasing tribal capacity for sustainable marine resource management. Through this initiative, pin DNR will expand staffing to include an ocean planning coordinator, facilitate engagement in northeast regional ocean council (NROC) meetings and intertribal collaborations, and lead community outreach efforts to ensure tribal citizens are actively involved in decision-making processes related to ocean governance. With a strong emphasis on climate resilience and ocean stewardship, this project will integrate traditional ecological knowledge with scientific approaches to address coastal hazards, sustainable energy planning, and ecosystem health. Key activities include developing GIS maps of culturally significant ocean sites, increasing coordination with wabanaki tribes on shared ocean priorities, and participating in federal, state, and regional ocean management discussions. Pin DNR will also serve as a liaison between the penobscot nation and external partners, advocating for tribal interests in marine planning and policy. By strengthening partnerships and advancing a holistic approach to ocean resource management, the penobscot nation will continue to play a vital role in preserving marine ecosystems, mitigating climate impacts, and ensuring the sustainability of ocean resources for future generations.