FY21 Bluefin Tuna Research Program | NOAA NMFS SE 2021 2006574

Opportunity Information: Apply for NOAA NMFS SE 2021 2006574

The FY21 Bluefin Tuna Research Program is a NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) discretionary funding opportunity designed to strengthen science-based management of Atlantic bluefin tuna. The core purpose is to generate research that improves how managers understand bluefin tuna fisheries and bluefin biology, with special emphasis on the long-standing management challenge of how fish from the eastern and western Atlantic populations mix and move across the ocean. Because catch limits and conservation measures depend heavily on stock structure and movement, the program is aimed at filling key scientific gaps that affect assessment models and management decisions.

This opportunity supports a broader, multi-year international research effort being carried out by Contracting Parties to the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), including the United States. Projects funded under this program are intended to function as a direct contribution to that ICCAT Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Research Program partnership, rather than stand-alone studies with no management pathway. For that reason, proposals that clearly show collaboration with ICCAT partners or alignment with ICCAT research priorities are strongly encouraged, especially where the work can be shared, compared, or integrated across nations to improve the overall scientific basis for ICCAT decision-making.

Funding is offered through a cooperative agreement, which typically means NOAA expects active involvement during the life of the award (for example, coordination on deliverables, data sharing, reporting expectations, or alignment with program objectives). The agency administering the opportunity is the U.S. Department of Commerce through NOAA NMFS. The assistance listing (CFDA) number is 11.472, and the funding activity area is categorized under environment and natural resources, science and technology, and other research and development. The program anticipated making about five awards, with an award ceiling of $300,000 per award.

The opportunity was posted on June 17, 2020, under funding opportunity number NOAA NMFS SE 2021 2006574, and it had an original application closing date of September 25, 2020. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others" with additional clarification referenced in the full announcement, which often indicates that beyond typical academic and government applicants, certain nontraditional or partner entities may be eligible depending on the detailed eligibility language.

In practical terms, the program is looking for research that can meaningfully improve understanding of Atlantic bluefin tuna population connectivity, migration, and mixing dynamics between the east and west Atlantic, as well as related fishery and biological questions that influence stock assessments and management. The strongest applications would be expected to show how the proposed work feeds into ICCAT science and management needs, how it complements ongoing international efforts, and how results will be communicated in forms useful for assessment scientists and fisheries managers.

• The Department of Commerce in the environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY21 Bluefin Tuna Research Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.472.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 17, 2020.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 25, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for NOAA NMFS SE 2021 2006574

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