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Special Funding Opportunity Announced under Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program
APRIL 22, 2024 — On April 15, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, in partnership with the NOAA Marine Debris Program, announced a request for proposals under the Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program. With 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.
Through a streamlined application process, this competition aims to lower the administrative burden on applicants and allow more organizations to access funds for derelict fishing trap removal. 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. Projects throughout the coastal United States, territories, and Freely Associated States are eligible for consideration.
Proposals are due on May 30, 2024 by 11:59p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). More information is available on the Virginia Institute of Marine Science website.