The NOAA Sea Grant Program is accepting proposals for the FY2025 Northeast American Lobster Regional Program under the funding opportunity number NOAA-OAR-SG-2025-29639. This initiative focuses on enhancing the sustainability of the American lobster fishery through regional coordination in the Northeast United States. Proposals are limited to Sea Grant programs within this region: Maine, New Hampshire, MIT, Woods Hole, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. Collaborative applications that integrate multiple programs are especially encouraged. The program is designed to leverage previous investments and promote continued research, outreach, and education activities related to the American lobster (Homarus americanus).

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to synthesize past and ongoing research funded by the National Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative, support new and ongoing extension and outreach activities, identify future research needs, and manage competitive research funding. Projects must demonstrate added value through partnerships and alignment with state and federal agency objectives. They are expected to promote regional coordination and provide oversight for project implementation. This initiative builds upon the extensive work since 2018, which has funded over 40 projects totaling more than $11.5 million in research and $1.6 million in extension services.

Funding available under this program is approximately $1.4 million, with the potential to scale up to $3.4 million. A 50% non-federal match is required unless otherwise waived. The grant period is from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2029, with pre-award spending allowed up to 90 days prior to the start date. Projects must be based in the U.S. or its territories. The funding instrument will be a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial federal involvement in project coordination and oversight.

Eligible applicants must complete registrations with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Proposals must follow the specified format and include all required forms and attachments, including a project abstract, narrative, budget forms, CVs, NEPA documentation, and a data management plan. Special care must be taken with formatting and submission protocols to avoid delays or rejection.

Evaluation criteria include alignment with program priorities (35 points), scientific merit (25 points), qualifications of applicants (10 points), cost realism (10 points), and outreach and education strategy (20 points). Applications are reviewed and scored by at least three independent reviewers, with awards made based on ranking and other selection factors such as funding availability, geographic distribution, and past performance.

The deadline for full proposals is June 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Notifications of selection are expected by July 2025, with projects starting no earlier than September 1, 2025. The award process includes standard federal reporting and compliance requirements, including adherence to environmental and human subject research regulations.