Right Whale Interaction Reduction Research Grant
This grant provides funding for research projects focused on monitoring North Atlantic right whales and developing strategies to reduce their interactions with lobster trap fisheries, prioritizing solutions that benefit both whale conservation and the fishing industry.
This grant supports applied research to monitor North Atlantic right whales, analyze their co-occurrence with trap fisheries, and test gear and other approaches that could reduce harmful interactions with the lobster fishery. Priority is given to projects that address right whale monitoring and risk reduction needs, can make a substantial difference in protecting right whales while allowing fishery coexistence, and are feasible for use within the fishing industry. Supported work may include advances in on-demand or other whale-safe gear, whale surveillance and acoustic monitoring, and data improvements for right whale and fishery co-occurrence models. Selected projects are reimbursed based on approved invoices and project progress, and recipients must allow substantial involvement by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries in project progress, findings, and research applicability.
Award Range
Not specified - Not specified
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
10
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
The solicitation targets up to 10 awards, with the Purchasing Department able to award more or fewer contracts. Selected grants are reimbursed based on approved invoices and project progress. The initial contract term is up to 2 years through December 31, 2026, with up to 3 one-year renewals for a maximum term of 5 years through December 31, 2028, and funding is conditioned on receipt of federal funds.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Applicants must submit a detailed proposal with a timeline, deliverables, and budget, complete vendor registration, and agree to Commonwealth terms and conditions and a state contract. Projects must support North Atlantic right whale monitoring, fishery co-occurrence analysis, gear testing, surveillance, acoustic monitoring, or related data improvements. Federal employees and federal entities may not receive contract or subcontract funds through this program. Eligible applicants include For profit organizations other than small businesses in all eligible geographies. Eligible work includes research projects intended to monitor the presence of North Atlantic right whales (NARW); analyze co-occurrence with trap fisheries; test innovative gear to reduce potentially harmful interactions between NARWs and the lobster fishery; advancements of on-demand (ropeless) technology; other whale-safe gear alternatives; NARW surveillance; NARW acoustic monitoring; data enhancements to improve NARW-fishery co-occurrence models.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
February 14, 2024
Application Closes
December 27, 2027
Grantor
Erin Burke
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