The FY2025 Sea Grant Program opportunity aims to foster regional collaborations between Sea Grant programs and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to advance aquaculture research and education, improve sustainability in fisheries, and support community engagement. Up to $4 million is available for this initiative, divided among four U.S. regions, with a maximum of $1 million for each awarded collaborative. The focus is on creating robust partnerships within designated geographic regions—West Coast/Pacific, Southeast/Caribbean, Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, and Great Lakes—to enhance the capacity of MSIs in aquaculture and support a range of activities including research, student training, and industry engagement.

Projects must meet several criteria. Proposals should seek to establish new MSI partnerships or strengthen existing ones to address needs specific to aquaculture at MSIs. Key priorities include developing funding mechanisms that support MSI-based research and extension activities, expanding aquaculture workforce capacity, advancing aquaculture curriculum development, and enhancing outreach to both academic and local communities. Funded projects are expected to incorporate the involvement of Sea Grant extension personnel, who will assist in community outreach and knowledge dissemination, further linking academic research with public interests.

Eligibility is limited to Sea Grant College, Institutional, and Coherent Area Programs. Proposals involving multiple Sea Grant programs within a region are strongly encouraged, as is collaboration with a range of local stakeholders, such as NGOs, state and tribal agencies, and industry members. Each funded project will be required to attend a National Sea Grant Aquaculture Symposium to share outcomes and methodologies with a wider audience.

The application process requires a Letter of Intent by January 29, 2025, followed by full proposals due by March 19, 2025. Applicants should complete the necessary registrations with SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons in advance, as delays in registration could affect submission eligibility. Project durations can span from September 2025 to August 2028, and the cost-sharing requirement mandates a 50% non-federal match.

Applications will be evaluated based on technical merit, alignment with Sea Grant’s goals for aquaculture sustainability, and the strength of outreach and education strategies. Review criteria include the applicant’s ability to clearly define objectives, ensure effective community engagement, and leverage resources. Additionally, partnerships with underserved communities and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components.

Upon award, projects must follow NOAA’s data management and reporting policies, including submitting semi-annual financial and performance reports and sharing environmental data as applicable. Proposals should also account for NOAA’s environmental compliance requirements, including NEPA, if the research involves human subjects or significant environmental impact.