Cooperative Fishery Statistics

To maintain a cooperative State and Federal partnership to provide a continuing source of fisheries dependent statistics to support fishery management in the States' Territorial Sea and the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.

To maintain a cooperative State and Federal partnership to provide a continuing source of fisheries dependent statistics to support fishery management in the States' Territorial Sea and the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.

Eligible applicants are the Marine Fisheries Conservation agencies of the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission.

This program benefits Federal, State and interstate marine resource conservation and management agencies; U.S. and foreign commercial and recreational fishing industries; conservation organizations; academic institutions; international and Indian Tribal treaties; private and public research groups; consumers; and the general public.

Funds are to support cooperative State and Federal programs to collect statistics on commercial and recreational fisheries in support of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Management Act.

Awards are normally for a 12 month period but in some instances, award periods may extend beyond 12 months, or may be completed in less than 12 months. Award funds must be spent in the indicated budget period and are to be expended in accordance with DOC/NOAA finance and reporting procedures.

Criteria for proposals is located in the NOFO

Proposals are selected based on the results of Cooperative Statistics and Fisheries Information Network (FIN) committee activities and on negotiations between NMFS and cooperators. The nature and scope of cooperative activities are based on the needs of the cooperating agencies. Funding is allocated by NMFS based on Cooperative Statistics and Fisheries Information Network (FIN) committee recommendations and on the level of activities that are planned for accomplishment. Regardless of source, proposals must under go rigorous technical review and comply with all OMB, DOC, and NOAA grants policies and procedures.

Proposals are initially evaluated by the pertinent NMFS Office/Region/Science Center, and are subject to review for technical merit, soundness of design, competency of the applicant to perform the proposed work, potential contribution of the project to national or regional goals, and appropriateness and reasonableness of proposed costs. Projects approved for funding will be submitted to the NOAA Grants Management Division and the Department of Commerce's Office of Federal Assistance for review and approval.

A date range will change depending on the review process. Usually within 180 calendar days from the receipt of a complete and acceptable application but may exceed that timeline.

No renewal. However, an approved on-going project can be extended by submission of an amendment request. Multiple year awards of up to five years may be approved. Funding for multi-year projects beyond the first year is contingent upon the availability of program funds in subsequent fiscal years, and the extent to which the recipient meets project objectives and reporting requirements.

No formal appeal procedure. If application is unacceptable the reasons are fully stated to the applicant. If the applicant desires to resubmit application, project must be revised in accordance with recommended changes.