The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is offering the FY 2024 Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants to support the recovery of the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon. This competitive grant program invites proposals from eligible applicants, including institutions of higher education, non-profits, and state and local governments, focusing on habitat restoration actions that enhance fish passage and connectivity, particularly through barrier removals. With funding levels ranging from $100,000 to $700,000 over three years, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with key deadlines for consideration on April 1, 2024, and subsequent years. Interested parties can contact Amanda Cousart at amanda.cousart@noaa.gov for further information.

NOAA-NMFS-HCPO-2024-25198 NOFO Report.pdf

NOAA-NMFS-HCPO-2024-25198.pdf

The NOAA Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines the FY 2024 Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants, focusing on the recovery of the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon. This competitive grant program, with funding levels between $100,000 and $700,000 over three years, is aimed at proposals that align with habitat restoration actions identified in relevant recovery plans. Key priorities include improving fish passage, enhancing connectivity between habitats, and utilizing effective restoration techniques, with a preference for barrier removals. Eligible applicants include various organizations, with no statutory matching requirements but encouragement for cost-sharing. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with deadlines highlighted for annual consideration. Reviewers will evaluate proposals based on criteria such as technical merit, applicant qualifications, cost-effectiveness, and community engagement. The program emphasizes sustainable impacts on Atlantic salmon habitats, reinforcing NOAA’s commitment to species recovery and environmental stewardship. Awards will begin on October 1, 2024, subject to available funding and the successful negotiation of awards.

The principal objective of the Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants solicitation is to support the recovery of the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon. Proposals submitted under this solicitation will be evaluated based on alignment with program priorities, including: 1) consistency with priority habitat restoration actions identified in the 2019 &#8220;Recovery Plan for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)&#8221; and the &#8220;Species in the Spotlight Priority Actions: 2021-2025&#8221; 5-year action plan for Atlantic salmon; 2) improvement of fish passage and connectivity between the Gulf of Maine and freshwater spawning and rearing habitats within designated Critical Habitat, in locations with river-specific stocks or within a river that hosts a wild or naturally reared run of Atlantic salmon; 3) incorporation of proven restoration techniques, focusing on removal of barriers as the highest priority. Proposals may include the following types of activities: feasibility studies; planning and assessments directly linked to restoration implementation; engineering design and permitting; on-the-ground implementation; pre- and post-removal implementation monitoring; stakeholder engagement, or a combination thereof. The principal objective of the Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants solicitation is to support the recovery of the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon. Proposals submitted under this solicitation will be evaluated based on alignment with program priorities, including: 1) consistency with priority habitat restoration actions identified in the 2019 &#8220;Recovery Plan for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)&#8221; and the &#8220;Species in the Spotlight Priority Actions: 2021-2025&#8221; 5-year action plan for Atlantic salmon; 2) improvement of fish passage and connectivity between the Gulf of Maine and freshwater spawning and rearing habitats within designated Critical Habitat, in locations with river-specific stocks or within a river that hosts a wild or naturally reared run of Atlantic salmon; 3) incorporation of proven restoration techniques, focusing on removal of barriers as the highest priority. Proposals may include the following types of activities: feasibility studies; planning and assessments directly linked to restoration implementation; engineering design and permitting; on-the-ground implementation; pre- and post-removal implementation monitoring; stakeholder engagement, or a combination thereof.Proposals selected through this solicitation may be funded through multi-year cooperative agreements. NOAA anticipates typical federal funding for awards will range from $100,000 to $700,000 over three years. NOAA will not accept proposals with a federal funding request of less than $100,000 or more than $1.5 million total over three years. NOAA anticipates up to $700,000 will be available under this solicitation in FY24 to support the first year of selected projects. Funds will be administered by the Community-based Restoration Program within the NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation. Awards are dependent upon the amount of funds Congress makes available to NOAA in the FY24 - FY26 budgets.

Amanda Cousart  &lt;br/&gt;Competition Manager  &lt;br/&gt;Phone 301-337-9447  &lt;br/&gt;Email: amanda.cousart@noaa.gov

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