The U.S. government has announced another USD 95 million (EUR 87 million) in funding for new fish passage projects, some of which is specifically dedicated to Tribal priorities.
“These investments reflect a continuation of decades of work by NOAA Fisheries to recover threatened and endangered migratory fish and support the sustainability of commercial, Tribal, and recreational fisheries,” NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit said in a statement. “Our work with Tribal organizations to improve fish passage is vital for building long-term tribal capacity to sustain and manage culturally significant resources and habitats.”
The money has been spread across two funding opportunities.
The Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Notice of Funding Opportunity will provide grants for projects designed to reopen migratory pathways and restore healthy fish habitats. The administration has dedicated a total of USD 75 million (EUR 69 million) for this funding opportunity, with potential applicants invited to submit proposals for between USD 750,000 and USD 8 million (EUR 690,000 and EUR 7.3 million). Typical funding is expected to range from USD 3 million to USD 5 million (EUR 2.7 million to EUR 4.6 million). The deadline for applications is 10 February 2025.
The Restoring Tribal Priority Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Notice of Funding Opportunity will provide grants to support U.S. federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Tribal organizations conducting fish passage work for Tribally important species or to support building capacity for those efforts. NOAA Fisheries is expected to award USD 500,000 to USD 4 million (EUR 460,000 to EUR 3.7 million) for individual projects, but potential applicants are invited to submit proposals as high as USD 6 million (EUR 5.5 million) or as low as USD 300,000 (EUR 270,000). The deadline for applications is 27 February 2025.
The agency said it will prioritize projects “that demonstrate a broad base of community support.”
The money for the two funding opportunities was made available via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has provided money for four other funding opportunities already. The agency has issued USD 985 million (EUR 902 million) in grants for fish passage projects so far.
“Thanks to President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment will further NOAA’s efforts to work with partners to strengthen safe passage for migratory fish, ensure healthy and sustainable fisheries, support local economies, and help boost communities’ resilience to climate change,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a statement.
NOAA Fisheries will hold three live webinars to provide information to potential applicants.
