NOAA will fund removal projects that create long-term, quantifiable, ecological habitat improvements to NOAA trust resources. Awards will prioritize removal of derelict fishing gear, abandoned and derelict vessels, and other medium- and large-scale debris. Projects should also foster public awareness of the effects of marine debris to contribute to the understanding of marine debris composition, distribution, and impacts.

The Letter of Intent (LOI) submission period for removal projects will extend from July 15 to September 4, 2020. Applicants who submit successful LOIs will be invited to submit a full proposal following the LOI review period. NOAA will select projects through a rigorous and highly competitive merit review process, with awards announced in the late summer of 2021, depending on the availability of appropriations. For more information on FY 2021 grant opportunities, please visit Grants.gov and the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s website.

For more information, please contact Tom.Barry@noaa.gov.

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