Marine Mammal Data Program

Nondiscretionary funding under this authorization provides support to State and federal agencies for the collection and analysis of information on marine mammals that occur in U.S waters and interact with State and federal managed fisheries and other

Nondiscretionary funding under this authorization provides support to State and federal agencies for the collection and analysis of information on marine mammals that occur in U.S waters and interact with State and federal managed fisheries and other marine resources. Information collected is used by the State and Federal governments to conserve marine mammals, address or resolve conflicts between marine mammals, fisheries and living marine resources, and to improve their understanding of the health of individual marine mammals as well as marine mammal populations. Discretionary funds may be announced in the Federal Register under competitive programs to undertake research in subjects which are relevant to the protection and conservation of marine mammals.

State governments and quasi-public nonprofit institutions or organizations. U.S. Marine Mammal Stranding Network participants, including state and local governments, academia, aquaria, non profits, private individuals and organizations. Eligibility may vary under programs announced in the Federal Register.

This program benefits the States that have marine mammals in waters under State jurisdiction and supports Federal requirements for conservation of marine mammals, and other public resources. The program also benefits the active volunteer U.S. marine mammal stranding network members throughout coastal states.

Nondiscretionary funds may be nondiscretionary and appropriated for a particular recipient for a particular purpose such as the Marine Mammal cooperative agreements in Alaska (16 U.S.C. 1388) or allocated to State agencies for collection of information on marine mammals that occur in State waters and interact with fisheries and other marine resources. Discretionary funds announced in the Federal Register under competitive programs may restrict the use of funds or include additional program restrictions based on the appropriation language.

Grants are normally made for one year.

Criteria for proposals is located in the NOFO. Refer to program guidelines

Nondiscretionary: For projects involving the collection and analysis of information on marine mammals that occur in the State's waters and interact with State managed fisheries and other marine resources, priority consideration is given to proposals for the collection of information on marine mammals involved in interactions with fisheries and other marine resources, and on activities impacting marine mammals such as native subsistence; Discretionary: For projects involving stranding network activities, priorities are published in the Federal Register Notice soliciting applications for financial assistance. Unsolicited proposals may also be submitted outside of the competitive process for response to catastrophic stranding events.

Applications are evaluated by the National Marine Fisheries Service Regional or Headquarters Offices and processed by the NOAA Grants Management Division. Pursuant to Section 404 of Public Law 102- 567, financial assistance awards to a State or Interstate Fishery Commission may be provided to the State on a non- discretionary basis for projects involving the collection and analysis of information on marine mammals that occur in the State's waters and interact with State managed fisheries and other marine resources. For discretionary funds including Stranding Networks, a competitive award process is announced in the Federal Register for projects related to stranding network activities. A small percentage of discretionary funds will be available to be provided on a non-competed basis for catastrophic stranding events.

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.