Cooperative Research Program

This program facilitates and provides funding for the partnering of the fishing industry, fishermen, and other stakeholders with federal and university scientists to collect fundamental fisheries information. The information collected through well-designed and scientifically valid cooperative research programs helps improve the information base for single species, as well as multispecies and ecosystem assessment models.

Eligible applicants for assistance include: State and local governments, including their universities and colleges; U.S. territorial agencies; federally and State-recognized Indian Tribal governments; private universities and colleges; private profit and nonprofit research and conservation organizations and/or individuals.

Proposals are initially evaluated by the pertinent NMFS Office/Region/Science Center, and are subject to review for technical merit, soundness of design, competency of the applicant to perform the proposed work, potential contribution of the project to national or regional goals, and appropriateness and reasonableness of proposed costs. Projects approved for funding will be submitted to the NOAA Grants Management Division and the Department of Commerce's Office of Federal Assistance for review and approval.

A date range will change depending on the review process. Usually within 180 calendar days from the receipt of a complete and acceptable application but may exceed that timeline.