Bluefin Tuna Research Program | Apply Online

Bluefin Tuna Research Program (NOAA NMFS) - FAQs

1) What is the Bluefin Tuna Research Program?

The Bluefin Tuna Research Program is a NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) competitive funding opportunity intended to strengthen science-based fisheries management for Atlantic bluefin tuna. It supports research that improves how managers and scientists understand bluefin tuna fisheries and the species' biology.

2) What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The central aim is to fund projects that reduce uncertainty in monitoring and assessment of Atlantic bluefin tuna by producing better data, improved methods, or scientific insights that directly support stock assessment, stock monitoring, and management decisions.

3) What research themes are emphasized?

The program particularly emphasizes research on how Atlantic bluefin tuna move and mix between the eastern and western Atlantic stocks. This movement and stock mixing complicates efforts to estimate stock abundance and understand trends, so projects that address these issues are especially relevant.

4) Why is stock movement and mixing such a priority?

Because movement and mixing between eastern and western Atlantic stocks makes it harder to estimate abundance and assess trends accurately. Improved understanding of movement and mixing can help managers and scientists interpret monitoring data more reliably and make stronger assessment conclusions.

5) How does this program relate to ICCAT?

This opportunity is positioned as the United States contribution to a larger international effort under ICCAT (the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas). ICCAT coordinates management of tunas and tuna-like species across the Atlantic, and this NOAA program is intended to complement ICCAT-related science needs.

6) What is the larger international research initiative mentioned in the announcement?

ICCAT member countries and partners launched a broader research initiative valued at about $25 million, expected to run for roughly six years. That initiative is intended to improve ICCAT's ability to manage bluefin tuna fisheries using stronger scientific evidence. Awards under this NOAA program are meant to contribute to that broader effort.

7) What kinds of projects would be most competitive or relevant based on the description?

Projects are most relevant when they clearly connect to information needs affecting Atlantic bluefin tuna stock assessments, stock monitoring, and management decisions, especially where outcomes can reduce uncertainty related to movement and mixing between eastern and western stocks.

8) What type of funding instrument is used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

Funding is offered as cooperative agreements. That generally means recipients should expect substantial involvement or collaboration with the federal agency during the project period compared with a standard grant.

9) What does "substantial NOAA involvement" typically imply (as stated here)?

Based on the announcement language, it implies a higher level of federal agency involvement or collaboration during the project period than would be expected under a standard grant. The opportunity is explicitly described as a cooperative agreement rather than a typical grant award.

10) How much total funding is available under this announcement?

The total estimated funding available through this specific announcement is $600,000.

11) How many awards does NOAA expect to make?

NOAA expected to make about five awards.

12) What is the expected award size (minimum and maximum)?

Individual awards were expected to range from $25,000 (minimum) to $300,000 (maximum).

13) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is listed in the provided information.

14) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants include individuals; small businesses and other for-profit organizations; nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status; private and public institutions of higher education; public and state-controlled universities; independent school districts; and many governmental entities (including state, county, city or township, and special district governments). Eligibility also includes Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and other tribal organizations.

15) Are for-profit entities allowed to apply?

Yes. Small businesses and other for-profit organizations are listed among eligible applicants.

16) Are individuals allowed to apply?

Yes. Individuals are explicitly listed as eligible applicants.

17) Are nonprofits eligible, and does 501(c)(3) status matter?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status are listed as eligible.

18) Are universities and colleges eligible?

Yes. Private and public institutions of higher education, as well as public and state-controlled universities, are listed as eligible.

19) Are K-12 entities eligible?

Independent school districts are listed among eligible applicants.

20) Are government agencies eligible?

Yes. A wide range of governmental entities are eligible, including state, county, city or township, and special district governments.

21) Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. The eligibility list includes Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and other tribal organizations.

22) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 11.472 (Unallied Science Program).

23) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NOAA NMFS SE 2014 2003769.

24) When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on June 5, 2013, and closed on August 5, 2013.

25) Is this opportunity still open?

No. The listing is described as archived, with an archive date of September 4, 2013, and the close date was August 5, 2013.

26) Who was the listed contact for access issues related to the full announcement?

The listed contact was Dax Ruiz, State/Federal Liaison Branch, at (727) 824-5324.

27) What makes a proposed project align with the program's intent (based on the description only)?

Alignment is strongest when the work is targeted, management-relevant, and advances understanding of Atlantic bluefin tuna biology and fishery dynamics, with a clear connection to reducing uncertainty in stock monitoring and assessment, especially regarding eastern and western stock movement and mixing, and when it supports ICCAT-related scientific information needs.