Coonamessett farm foundation is proposing a collaborative, industry-based research program to strengthen the resilience and viability of massachusetts commercial fisheries

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded $1.875 million to Coonamessett Farm Foundation Inc. on January 1, 2027, under the Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program (CFDA 11.469) to strengthen the resilience and viability of Massachusetts commercial fisheries through collaborative, industry-based research.

The recipient will identify and evaluate novel fisheries and enhancement opportunities viable for Massachusetts fleets, assess gear and fishing strategies for accessing underutilized species, and explore new ecosystem survey approaches to support sustainable fisheries development. Working in close partnership with commercial fishermen, the foundation will leverage fishermen's expertise and vessel accessibility as data collection platforms to generate high-quality fisheries-relevant data informing sustainable management of existing and emerging marine resources. The knowledge and information produced will improve the resilience and market competitiveness of Massachusetts fishing communities and support their adaptability to climate-driven and industrial ocean changes.

Coonamessett Farm Foundation Inc., a nonprofit research organization based in East Falmouth, Massachusetts, specializes in marine and environmental research. The award period runs from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2029, with place of performance in East Falmouth, Falmouth, Massachusetts. Funding for multi-year projects beyond the first year is contingent upon the availability of program funds in subsequent fiscal years and the recipient's success in meeting project objectives and reporting requirements.

Working in close partnership with commercial fishermen, this program will identify and evaluate novel fisheries and enhancement opportunities viable for massachusetts fleets, assess gear and fishing strategies for accessing underutilized species, and explore new ecosystem survey approaches to support sustainable fisheries development. By leveraging fishermens expertise and vessel accessibility as data collection platforms, this initiative will generate high-quality fisheries-relevant data to inform management and improve adaptability to climate-driven and industrial ocean changes. The knowledge and information produced through this collaborative effort will inform sustainable management of existing and emerging marine resources, improving the resilience and market competitiveness of massachusetts fishing communities.