Nationwide Fishing Trap, Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program Grant

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention Program (TRAP)
The TRAP Program is a valuable network of partnerships that works across disciplines to focus on derelict trap removal in four key areas:
Standardization of data collection and monitoringQuantification of economic and ecological impactsPrevention and mitigation of harmful effectsComprehensive data sharing and analysis
The Program coordinates the removal of derelict traps (blue crab, American lobster, spiny lobster, Dungeness crab, stone crab, and potentially other types of traps) nationwide and benefits NOAA Trust Resources by reducing bycatch mortality on living marine resources and by the removal of abandoned and derelict gear from their habitats.
Funding
The Nationwide Fishing TRAP Program anticipates distributing between 6 and 15 awards annually under this solicitation. Funding of up to $1,475,000 is expected to be available for Nationwide Fishing TRAP Program Removal grants. Awards are for 18-month projects; longer-term projects are not permissible under this program. The minimum amount of award funding that may be requested is $50,000. The maximum award amount is $200,000.