The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) seeks to enhance fisheries management in the Gulf of Maine (GOME) through a cooperative agreement aimed at gathering Fisheries Ecological Knowledge (FEK) to inform Offshore Wind (OSW) development. This initiative is driven by BOEM’s mission to responsibly manage offshore resources while considering economic and environmental implications. The project will involve collecting and validating data on the socio-cultural and ecological aspects of fisheries through participatory research methods involving local fishers. Specific objectives include understanding fisheries dynamics, improving biological insights, documenting ecosystem changes, and sharing findings with stakeholders.
Eligible institutions, primarily state academic bodies and nonprofits along the Atlantic coast, are invited to propose research strategies that integrate traditional ecological knowledge with existing fisheries data. The budget for this initiative is set at $400,000, with no mandatory cost-sharing but recommendations for matching funds. Deliverables include progress reports, data management plans, literature synthesis, and final reports, all adhering to BOEM’s specifications. This effort reflects a commitment to fostering trust with the fishing community and ensuring that local ecological insights contribute significantly to federal marine planning and decision-making processes.
The document outlines a federal request for proposals (RFP) focused on collecting Fisheries Ecological Knowledge (FEK) to support offshore wind initiatives in the Gulf of Maine. Applications are due by August 10, 2024. The document addresses several inquiries related to the application process, specifically clarifying that relevant deliverables can be found in a mini-statement of work posted separately, despite initial missing sections in the announcement. While cost-sharing is encouraged, it is not mandatory and does not influence competitive standing in evaluations as per the criteria outlined in the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO). The announcement has been revised to include necessary documents for applicants, urging potential proposers to download the materials again and contact support for technical issues. This initiative reflects the federal government's commitment to integrating ecological findings into renewable energy planning in the Gulf of Maine.