National Marine Fisheries Service Grant: Offering Funding for Alaska Native Marine Mammal Co-Management and Conservation

The National Marine Fisheries Service (hereinafter, “NMFS”) recognizes the unique importance of marine mammals to Alaska Native Organizations (hereinafter, “ANOs”) and values ongoing efforts by Alaska Native Tribes and ANOs to conserve and protect subsistence species under NMFS’ jurisdiction. Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. §1388, NMFS may provide Federal assistance to ANOs to conserve marine mammals and to promote co-management of Alaska Native subsistence use of such mammals under NMFS’ jurisdiction. This assistance, provided in the form of cooperative agreements, may be used to support conservation of marine mammals utilized for subsistence purposes by Alaska Natives. Funded activities may include development and implementation of species management, subsistence harvest monitoring, subsistence harvest sampling, scientific research, and public education and outreach. Proposed activities should address priority actions identified in an Endangered Species Act Recovery Plan or Marine Mammal Protection Act Conservation Plan where applicable and the priorities identified within this federal funding opportunity. Tribally-Authorized ANOs with a signed agreement for co-management with NMFS are eligible to apply under this solicitation. Proposals focusing on marine mammals under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will not be considered for funding under this grant program. This document describes how to prepare and submit proposals for funding in fiscal year (hereinafter, “FY”) 2024 and how NMFS will determine which proposals will be funded. This announcement should be read in its entirety, as some information has changed from the previous year.