NOAA Awards $5.8 Million in Grants to Support Endangered Species Recovery

COURTESY OF NOAA FISHERIES
Endangered North Atlantic right whales

HYANNIS – NOAA is awarding $5.8 million in species recovery grants to states and tribes to promote the recovery of endangered and threatened marine species, ranging from large whales to tiny shellfish.

This year’s awards include almost $1.1 million for six new grants to four states and one federally recognized tribe.

The remaining $4.7 million will support 22 continuing projects for 20 states and two tribes.

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries were awarded more than $267,000 for right whale surveillance and habitat monitoring in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters.

“Helping these species recover means bringing partners to the table to tackle critical conservation challenges at the local level,” said Donna Wieting, director of NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources. “These grants are an effective way for us to help states and tribes work with us to recover our most vulnerable marine species.”

The 2018 call for proposals is now open, with a continued focus on recovering NOAA’s Species in the Spotlight.

Tribal applications and state applications are due November 1, 2017.

To apply, visit grants.gov.