2021/2022 Sea Scallop Research Set Aside

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NMFS, in coordination with the New England Fishery Management Council (Council), is soliciting Atlantic Sea Scallop (scallop) proposals to use scallop research set aside (RSA) quota reserved by the Council to fund scallop research endeavors through the 2021/2022 Scallop RSA Program. No federal funds are provided for research under this notification. Rather, proceeds generated from the sale of RSA quota will be used to fund approved activities and compensate vessel owners. Projects funded under the Scallop RSA Program must enhance the knowledge of the scallop fishery resource or contribute to the body of information on which scallop management decisions are made. Priority will be given to proposals that investigate research priorities identified by the Council, which are detailed under the Program Priorities section of this announcement. 2021 HIGHLIGHTS Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some surveys scheduled to occur in 2020 were delayed until 2021, which will influence survey selection decisions under this competition. For example, because a Stellwagen Bank dredge survey was delayed until next year, funding an additional Stellwagen Bank dredge survey under this solicitation is not a high priority. Information on delayed RSA surveys can be found on the RSA webpage (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/funding-and-financial-services/research-set-aside-programs). AMENDMENT 21 to the FMP under development may increase the amount of set aside available to be awarded under this competition. Recipients may be asked to provide RECEIPTS or other proof of purchase for any equipment or supplies costing $5,000 or more. As a reminder, YOU MUST SUBMIT A DATA SHARING PLAN WITH YOUR PROPOSAL in accordance with Section VI.B. Award Administration Information/Administrative and National Policy Requirements. The new NEPA QUESTIONNAIRE FORM can be found at https://www.nepa.noaa.gov/docs/NOAA-Grants-Questionnaire-final.pdf The Department of Commerce implemented a RESEARCH PERFORMANCE PROGRESS REPORT (RPPR) for research awards in accordance with the requirement for non-Federal entity submission of performance reports using OMB-approved government-wide standard information collections per §200.328. The recipient must complete the RPPR directly in Grants Online. Also, the RPPR format and instructions are available at http://www.osec.doc.gov/oam/grants_management/policy/.

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