Pacific Islands Region Sustainable Recreational and Non-Commercial Fishing Program | NOAA NMFS PIRO 2020 2006315

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Pacific Islands Region Sustainable Recreational and Non-Commercial Fishing Program?

It is a fiscal year 2020 competitive grant opportunity offered by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The program funds practical, on-the-ground efforts that strengthen sustainable recreational and non-commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Region.

Which federal agency runs this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The overall purpose is to support projects that improve sustainability in recreational and non-commercial fisheries, with an emphasis on maintaining stable fish stocks over time and protecting culturally important fishing traditions that communities rely on for heritage, food, and identity.

What geographic areas are eligible for projects under this program?

Projects must benefit or be carried out in the Pacific Islands Region, specifically Hawaii, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), or American Samoa.

Does the project have to take place entirely in one of the eligible areas?

The program is described as focused specifically on the Pacific Islands Region and states that projects must benefit or be carried out in Hawaii, Guam, CNMI, or American Samoa.

What kinds of fishing does this program support?

The competition is geared toward projects that directly support sustainable fishing opportunities for recreational anglers and other non-commercial participants.

What are examples of activities that may be supported?

Examples described include efforts that reduce pressure on vulnerable fish stocks, promote responsible harvest practices, improve monitoring or community-based reporting, and support education or outreach that leads to better compliance and stewardship. The notice also highlights developing locally appropriate approaches that maintain fishing access while preventing overfishing.

How does the program address cultural fishing traditions?

A defining feature of this opportunity is its explicit recognition that cultural fishing traditions are part of fisheries sustainability in the Pacific Islands Region. Proposals are expected to respect and, where relevant, actively protect traditional knowledge and culturally grounded fishing practices while still aligning with conservation and stock stability goals.

Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?

Funding may be awarded as either a grant or a cooperative agreement. The choice depends on how closely NMFS needs to be involved in the project’s execution.

What type of federal funding is this considered?

It is offered through discretionary federal assistance.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The program falls under CFDA 11.454.

How is this opportunity categorized?

It is categorized under environment, natural resources, and research and development activities.

How many awards were expected under this competition?

NMFS anticipated making about three awards under this particular competition.

What is the maximum funding amount per award?

The award ceiling is $30,000 per award.

Is this funding intended for large infrastructure projects?

Based on the $30,000 award ceiling and the description, it is designed for relatively small, targeted projects that can produce tangible benefits or clear improvements without requiring large-scale infrastructure budgets.

What is the funding opportunity number for this competition?

The funding opportunity number is NOAA NMFS PIRO 2020 2006315.

When was this opportunity published?

The opportunity was published on February 11, 2020.

What was the application deadline?

The original application deadline was April 10, 2020.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with specifics referenced in the notice’s additional eligibility information. This typically means eligible applicants may extend beyond standard government entities and can include certain nonprofits, community groups, academic organizations, or other regional partners depending on the detailed criteria in the official notice.

Is the program competitive?

Yes. It is described as a fiscal year 2020 competitive grant opportunity.

What outcomes is NMFS looking for in funded projects?

The program emphasizes practical efforts with measurable, real-world benefits, including strengthening sustainable recreational and non-commercial fishing, keeping fish stocks stable over time, maintaining fishing access while preventing overfishing, and safeguarding culturally important fishing traditions.

What does "sustainable recreational and non-commercial fishing" mean in the context provided?

In the context provided, it refers to fishing that remains accessible for recreation and other non-commercial use while using responsible approaches that help prevent overfishing, reduce pressure on vulnerable stocks, and support long-term stock stability.

Does the program support education or outreach projects?

Yes. The description explicitly includes education or outreach that leads to better compliance and stewardship as an example of potential project activity.

Does the program support monitoring or reporting improvements?

Yes. The description includes improving monitoring or community-based reporting as an example of potential project activity.

What is the overall intent of this funding stream for local organizations?

It is described as a small competitive funding stream intended to help local organizations and partners implement measurable projects that keep Pacific Islands fisheries sustainable, accessible for recreation and subsistence-style non-commercial use, and resilient for future generations.