FY26 Ruth D. Gates Coral Reef Conservation Grants - Fishery Management

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through its Coral Reef Conservation Program, administers the Ruth D. Gates Coral Reef Conservation Grants - Fishery Management competition to support efforts that enhance the sustainability of coral reef fisheries in U.S. waters. This program is authorized under the Coral Reef Conservation Act and reflects NOAA’s broader mission to protect and restore critical marine ecosystems. Coral reefs provide essential ecological, economic, and cultural benefits, including supporting fisheries, protecting coastlines, and sustaining biodiversity. However, they face increasing threats from human activity and environmental change, prompting NOAA to prioritize science-based management and conservation strategies. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that improve coral reef fisheries management through updated planning, enhanced scientific data collection, and the application of ecosystem-based management tools. The program specifically targets shallow and mesophotic coral reef ecosystems within U.S. jurisdictions, including territories and coastal states such as Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Funded projects are expected to contribute to sustainable fisheries by addressing management gaps, improving data availability, and supporting adaptive decision-making processes that benefit both ecosystems and fishing communities. Funding is anticipated at approximately $1,000,000 for the competition, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. Projects are expected to last approximately 12 months, with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027 or later. Eligible activities include developing or revising fisheries management plans, conducting research to fill data gaps, and advancing analytical tools for ecosystem-based fisheries management. The program does not prioritize expenditures on large equipment, infrastructure, or real property, and such costs are generally discouraged. A key requirement of this program is a mandatory cost share, where federal funding may not exceed 50 percent of the total project cost. This creates a 1:1 matching requirement, meaning applicants must secure non-federal contributions equal to the requested federal funds. Matching contributions may include cash or in-kind support such as labor, equipment use, or facilities, provided they meet federal cost-sharing guidelines. In limited circumstances, NOAA may waive the matching requirement if justified by the applicant and approved based on statutory criteria. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad but specific to entities with demonstrated capacity in coral reef conservation or fisheries management. Eligible applicants include regional fishery management councils, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, state and local governments, and Native entities with interests in coral reef ecosystems. Applicants that are not management agencies are strongly encouraged to collaborate with relevant fishery management authorities and provide evidence of coordination or support within their application materials. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and validation through eRA Commons, with strict adherence to submission guidelines. Applications must include a project narrative, budget justification, supporting documentation, and required federal forms. NOAA emphasizes the importance of early submission to avoid technical errors and requires applicants to resolve any validation issues prior to the deadline. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as relevance to program goals, technical merit, applicant qualifications, cost effectiveness, and outreach plans. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 23, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. NOAA anticipates issuing award notifications approximately one month prior to the project start date. The program is offered as a competitive opportunity and is expected to recur annually, aligning with NOAA’s ongoing commitment to coral reef conservation and sustainable fisheries management. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program manager, Liz Fairey, via email or phone as provided in the announcement.

Align project clearly with fisheries management needs; demonstrate strong collaboration with management agencies; provide detailed methodology and measurable outcomes; ensure error-free submission through Grants.gov and eRA Commons