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The NOAA Marine Debris Program and the NOAA Restoration Center have just announced their national FY14 Community-based Marine Debris Removal Funding Opportunity. Full Funding Opportunity available online here.
Summary: NOAA is interested in improving marine and coastal habitat through on-the-ground removal of marine debris. Marine debris is defined as “any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes” (15 CFR Part 909). The highest program priorities for this solicitation are the removal of derelict fishing gear and the removal of medium- to large-scale marine debris that have a negative impact on important habitat areas and projects that benefit NOAA trust resources.
Projects should benefit living resources and their habitats, including commercial and recreational fishery resources, coastal habitats, and/or endangered or threatened aquatic species. NOAA trust resources can also include marine habitats and resources associated with National Marine Sanctuaries, National Estuarine Research Reserves, and areas under state coastal management programs.
Funding: Up to $2,000,000 is expected to be available for this nationwide competition in Fiscal Year 2014. Typical awards will range from $50,000 to $150,000.
Due Date: November 1, 2013
For questions, please contact Tom Barry (Tom.Barry@noaa.gov) or Jason Rolfe (Jason.Rolfe@noaa.gov).
Those interested in potential SEA-MDI collaboration can contact Jenna Jambeck or other consortium members.