VIMS Fishery Resource Grant Program

The Virginia Fishery Resource Grant Program, managed by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, offers funding to enhance coastal fishery resources through innovative proposals. Key priority areas include developing new fishing gear, conducting environmental studies, promoting aquaculture, and advancing seafood technology. The program encourages participation from Virginians in the fishing industry, ensuring their ideas can thrive despite financial constraints, thus fostering sustainable practices and economic growth in the sector.

The Marine Advisory Program (MAP) at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is accepting applications to compete for funding as part of the Virginia Fishery Resource Grant Program (VFRGP). The Virginia Legislature created the Fishery Resource Grant Program to “protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s coastal fishery resource through the awarding of grants” in four areas:
new marine fisheries equipment or gear;environmental pilot studies on issues including water quality and fisheries habitat; aquaculture or mariculture of marine-dependent species; and seafood technology.
A basic principle of the VFRGP is that people in the industry often have valid ideas for enhancing and
protecting fisheries, but they lack the financial resources to experiment with innovations. The VFRGP
invests in ideas generated by the fishing public through fair and competitive methods.
The legislation established the four priority areas noted above. Specific priorities within the four topic areas have been approved by the VFRGP Advisory Board and are noted below. All proposals submitted within the limits of the Guidelines for Submission will be accepted and reviewed for technical merit and the ability to address one or more of the specific priorities listed.
New Fisheries Equipment and Gear
This priority area seeks proposals that focus on the development of less environmentally destructive gear, bycatch reduction, more effective ways to handle catch and the development of information leading to fishery management plans for key species and groups.
Environmental Pilot Studies
This priority area seeks proposals that focus on ways to restore damaged habitat, create new habitat, prevent habitat impairment or reduce impact from fishing or aquaculture activities.
Aquaculture/Mariculture
This priority area seeks proposals that focus on ways to develop criteria and assessment for permits, increase return from investment in culture activities or introduce new species to the existing aquaculture list to broaden the participation in commercial aquaculture.
Seafood Technology and Utilization
This priority area seeks proposals that develop value-added products from existing production, the utilization of underused or new fishery resources, develop models for total quality system management programs or increase returns in the seafood industry by improving packaging and handling.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding under the Fishery Resource Grant Program, each proposal must substantially involve Virginians who are actively involved in a fishing industry (defined as persons involved in commercial activities relating to fishery resources, aquaculture/mariculture or the processing or handling fishery products). Proposals submitted by persons not involved in a fishing industry must have: substantial involvement of Virginia fishers as defined (above), ANDwritten endorsements from persons or organizations representing fishing industries supporting the project.