The NOAA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF) provides funding for the restoration and conservation of Pacific salmon and steelhead populations. The fund, supported by annual appropriations and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, focuses on addressing limiting factors affecting the productivity of these species. This opportunity prioritizes projects that benefit salmon and steelhead populations listed as threatened or endangered, support tribal treaty and native subsistence fishing rights, and enhance Pacific coastal salmon habitat.

Eligible applicants include the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, California, and Alaska, along with federally recognized tribes of the Columbia River and Pacific Coast regions, including Alaska. States must contribute matching funds of at least 33% of the federal award, while federally recognized tribes are exempt from this requirement. Projects are divided into three priority areas: Priority One includes habitat restoration and conservation projects, Priority Two focuses on large-scale monitoring and restoration planning, and Priority Three supports capacity-building activities for tribes and related assessments.

Applications should include a comprehensive NOAA financial assistance package with required forms (e.g., SF-424) and supplemental materials such as a project narrative, budget narrative, and relevant designs. Specific guidelines for formatting and submission are outlined, including the necessity to register with systems like SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Applicants must clearly detail project goals, outcomes, and their alignment with NOAA priorities, supported by quantitative evidence wherever possible.

The funding ceiling per award is $25 million, with a total anticipated allocation of $99 million. The grant period can extend up to five years, with the earliest start date for awards set for September 1, 2025. Applications are due by March 4, 2025, and must be validated through Grants.gov. NOAA will evaluate submissions based on criteria including technical merit, relevance to priorities, applicant qualifications, and project cost.

Successful applicants will need to provide regular progress reports and comply with various administrative, environmental, and reporting requirements, including adherence to NOAA’s data-sharing and environmental protection policies. NOAA will also require recipients to obtain necessary permits for activities impacting endangered species or their habitats.

For further guidance, prospective applicants can contact NOAA representatives listed in the NOFO. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin required registrations early to ensure timely submission and eligibility for funding.