Cetacean Research in the Pacific Islands - 2023 | NOAA NMFS PIFSC 2023 2007765

Opportunity Information: Apply for NOAA NMFS PIFSC 2023 2007765

The Cetacean Research in the Pacific Islands - 2023 grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA NMFS PIFSC 2023 2007765) is a discretionary NOAA program run through the Department of Commerce, specifically the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC). Its central aim is to strengthen the scientific base needed to conserve whales and dolphins across the Pacific Islands Region, with an emphasis on producing information that directly supports assessment and management of cetacean populations in the central and western Pacific Ocean.

The program is focused on research that improves understanding of where cetaceans occur (distribution), how populations are subdivided or connected (stock structure), how they use their environment (habitat use), and what pressures they face from both natural factors and human activities (threats). It also prioritizes studies that can generate or refine core population metrics used in conservation decisions, including abundance estimates, demographic patterns (such as survival, reproduction, and age structure), and mortality. In practical terms, the work supported is meant to feed into cetacean assessment needs, including stock assessments and the evidence base for mitigation measures.

For fiscal year 2023, NOAA highlighted four priority research areas. The first priority is research that can inform mitigation measures to reduce interactions between hook-and-line fisheries and false killer whales in the central and western Pacific, reflecting concern about bycatch, depredation, entanglement risk, or other fishery-related impacts. The second priority targets the Main Hawaiian Islands insular and Hawaii pelagic false killer whale populations, seeking studies on demographics, abundance, and movement patterns that can clarify population status and connectivity. The third priority centers on spinner dolphins in the Main Hawaiian Islands, particularly research on abundance, distribution, and human disturbance, with special emphasis on the Maui Nui region, where questions about disturbance and local patterns of habitat use are especially important. The fourth priority is broader: research that supports cetacean stock assessment across the Pacific Islands Region, which may include efforts that strengthen methods, datasets, or analytical approaches used to evaluate population status.

Awards are offered through grants and cooperative agreements, indicating that projects may involve varying degrees of collaboration with NOAA depending on the instrument used. The opportunity is categorized under environment, natural resources, and science and technology research and development (CFDA 11.472). NOAA anticipated making about five awards, with an award ceiling of $1,050,000, signaling support for a small number of relatively substantial projects rather than many small ones.

Eligibility is broad and includes state, county, and city or township governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments; nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status; individuals; for-profit organizations (including small businesses and other for-profits). The opportunity was created on March 10, 2023, with an original application deadline of May 12, 2023. Overall, the grant is designed to fund targeted, management-relevant cetacean science that can be translated into better assessments and more effective conservation actions across Hawai`i and the wider Pacific Islands Region.

• 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 "Cetacean Research in the Pacific Islands - 2023" 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 Mar 10, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 12, 2023. (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 $1,050,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.

Apply for NOAA NMFS PIFSC 2023 2007765

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