$50,000 - $200,000

Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, is soliciting proposals under their Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program.

Using funding from the NOAA Marine Debris Program provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science will award up to $1,475,000 in grants to remove derelict fishing traps throughout coastal waterways of the United States while collecting data to prevent future gear loss.

Additional Information:
The program priorities for this solicitation are the detection and removal of derelict fishing traps and the collection of standardized data associated with the removed traps. Derelict fishing traps are passive cage-style gear that are lost, abandoned, discarded, or otherwise no longer under control of a commercial or recreational fisher. This program does not focus on other types of derelict gear, such as lost nets and lines. Priority will be given to projects that provide ecological and/or economic benefits; integrate innovative, sustainable approaches to derelict fishing trap disposal; and take place in sanctuaries, reserves, tribal or Indigenous community fishing grounds, or other protected areas.

Funding Agencies: NOAA, Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Frequency Details: Annual

Match Requirement: none