2020-2021 Sea Scallop and Monkfish Research Set-Aside Projects Selected

14 Projects Selected for 2020-21 Research Set-Aside Support

NOAA Fisheries has selected 12 sea scallop and 2 monkfish projects for 2020-2021 awards through two research set-aside (RSA) programs. The New England Fishery Management Council established the Sea Scallop RSA Program and the Monkfish RSA Program to address research questions that support management of commercial fisheries for these species. Projects will investigate scallop and monkfish research priorities to improve our knowledge and management of these species. For more information on these awards and the programs, please visit this page

Questions?

  • Ryan Silva, RSA Liaison, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 978-281-9326

  • Media: Teri Frady, Research Communications, 508-495-2239

Monkfish Research Set-Aside Program Seeks Research Proposals

August 1, 2019 - The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Competition for monkfish research support has opened under the Monkfish Research Set Aside Program. Projects selected through the competition are awarded fishing days rather than dollars, and the proceeds generated from those days are used to fund the research.

This year’s priorities include monkfish life history; stock structure; relative abundance; surveys; bycatch and discard mortality; interactions with other species; gear studies; ecological studies; and trophic research.

Monkfish are one of the highest valued finfish in the Northeast. This federal fishery is managed primarily by limiting the number of days and trips that the fleet can use to target this species. Under the monkfish management plan, 500 of the allowable days-at-sea are “set aside” annually by the councils and then awarded through this federal grant competition.

NOAA Fisheries and the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils have managed the Monkfish Research Set Aside Program since 2006. Since then, 27 projects have been conducted under this program.

In addition to the monkfish, there are active RSA programs for Atlantic sea scallop and Atlantic herring.  RSA programs support applied research that responds to priorities established by the fishery management councils, and are designed to inform resource management decisions and improve stock assessments.

To learn more and apply, visit grants.gov

Questions?

Media: Contact Cheryl Corbett, Cooperative Programs Specialist

August 2019 Council Meeting Agenda

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet August 13-15, 2019 at the Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown (21 N. Juniper St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, Telephone 215-496-3200).

August Council Meeting Report

The following summary highlights Council actions and issues considered at the Council's meeting on August 11-14, 2014 in Washington, D.C. 

Federal Funding Opportunity: Monkfish Research Set-Aside Program (January 6 deadline for application)

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, in cooperation with the Mid-Atlantic and New England fishery management councils, is seeking research proposals to utilize 500 Monkfish Days-at-Sea that have been set-aside through the 2014 Monkfish Research Set-Aside Program.

October 7-10, 2013 Council Meeting Summary

During the October Council meeting in Philadelphia, PA, the Council addressed a range of issues, including specifications for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, bluefish, and spiny dogfish. Check out the October Meeting Summary to learn more.

Federal Funding Opportunity: 2014-2015 Atlantic Scallop Research Set-Aside

NOAA Fisheries, in coordination with the New England Fishery Management Council, is soliciting Atlantic Sea Scallop research proposals to utilize scallop Total Allowable Catch that has been set-aside through the Atlantic Scallop Research Set-Aside Program. Click here to read the full announcement.

2014/2015 Atlantic Herring RSA Federal Funding Opportunity

The National Marine Fisheries Service, with assistance from the New England Fishery Management Council (Council), is soliciting proposals for 2014 and 2015 that address Atlantic Herring Research Set-Aside (RSA) research priorities. Proposals must be received by 5 p.m., July 22, 2013.