FY2025 National Aquaculture Initiative: Strengthening U.S. Coastal, Marine, and Great Lakes Aquaculture Through Business Support

Subject to the availability of funding, Sea Grant anticipates that approximately $5,000,000 will be available in FY2024 and FY2025 federal funds for research projects and programs that will focus on strengthening U.S. coastal, marine, and Great Lakes aquaculture via support for the development of new aquaculture businesses, as well as enhancing existing aquaculture business output, efficiency, and profitability. Strong applications will integrate research and extension. Proposals are sought that will encompass broad, non-proprietary research to address topics and issues relevant to the support of new and existing aquaculture businesses and make that information available to the U.S. aquaculture community. Projects should be focused on supporting businesses that will be or are now involved with aquatic species currently being produced on a commercial scale in the U.S. Proposals are not being considered that involve new or emerging aquatic species, new or novel production methods, improving production of species, or restoration projects.

Federal funds ranging from $100,000-$1,000,000 may be requested per application. Projects may have a duration of up to three years. Applications will require 50% in non-federal match funding. The cumulative match at the end of each year of the grant must not fall below 50 percent of the cumulative federal request up to that point. All projects must take place within the United States or territories or their respective waterways. There is no guarantee that funds will be available to make awards, or that any application will be selected for funding. 

This opportunity is open to any individual; any public or private corporation, partnership, or other association or entity (including any Sea Grant College, Sea Grant Institute or other institution); or any State, political subdivision of a State, Tribal government or agency or officer thereof. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider projects that involve Sea Grant extension personnel and members of the US aquaculture community.

Please carefully review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for specific instructions on how to apply for the competition via grants.gov.