Release: Immediate
Contact: Patricia Smith
Date: Feb. 12, 2019
Phone: 252-726-7021
State Seeks applicants for saltwater
fishing license grants projects

MOREHEAD CITY — The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting applications for proposals for the 2019-2020 funding cycle from the N.C. Marine Resources Fund.
The fund, which receives proceeds from the sale of Coastal Recreational Fishing Licenses, provides grants for projects that help manage, protect, restore, develop, cultivate and enhance the state’s marine resources.
Only universities and other local and state government entities in North Carolina are eligible to apply. Others must partner with one of these eligible entities.
Proposals will be evaluated based on the N.C. Marine Resources Fund and Marine Resources Endowment Fund Strategic Plan to Manage, Protect, Restore, Develop, Cultivate, Conserve, and Enhance North Carolina’s Marine Resources. The plan considers priority research needs identified in fishery management plans approved by the Marine Fisheries Commission, issues identified in the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan and research needs identified cooperatively with other agencies.
The strategic plan and directions for submitting a proposal and an application form can found on the Division of Marine Fisheries’ website here.
Projects submitted for this funding cycle should address specific priority needs listed under one of the two programmatic areas within the Request for Proposal:
1. Marine Resources and Habitat Management – Projects that support research, surveys, and investigations that provide essential information for the management of marine resources and habitats, including administrative and compliance activities necessary to obtain management objectives;
2. Access and Education – Projects that enhance public fishing access and angling opportunities and support public outreach and education that are essential to management of marine resources and habitats.
All proposals must be received by the director of the Division of Marine Fisheries by 5 p.m. April 12. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
For more information, contact Grants Program Manager William Brantley at 252-808-8004 or 800-682-2632 or William.Brantley@ncdenr.gov.
nr-16-2019