2026 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set Aside Program

Background
The 2026 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set Aside Program is issued by the Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) in coordination with the New England Fishery Management Council. The program aims to enhance knowledge of the scallop fishery resource and contribute to informed management decisions regarding scallops. Proposals that align with research priorities set by the Council will be prioritized. Successful applicants will receive scallop RSA quota, with no federal funds provided for research; instead, proceeds from the sale of RSA quota will fund approved activities and compensate vessel owners.

Grant Details
Projects funded under the Scallop RSA Program must enhance knowledge of the scallop fishery resource or contribute to management decisions. Priority is given to proposals addressing specific research priorities developed by the Council, including:
1) Industry-based scallop resource surveys;
2) Research on scallop biology;
3) Investigations into sea turtle behavior;
4) Commercial fishing gear improvements;
5) Bycatch reduction methods;
6) Impacts of fishing in high-density areas;
7) Effects of offshore wind energy development on scallops; and
8) Scallop resource enhancement techniques.

Successful projects may be asked to provide data in a standardized format and may have project award periods ranging from two to four years depending on the scope.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, hospitals, nonprofits, commercial organizations, individuals, state and local governments, and Native American tribal governments. Federal agencies are not eligible. Applications from members of the fishing community are encouraged.

Period of Performance
The project start date should be July 1, 2026. Proposals for regional scallop surveys may have a project period of up to four years (2026-2029), while other applications may have periods up to two years (2026-2027).

Grant Value
Successful applicants will be awarded scallop RSA quota instead of federal funds. The sub-Annual Catch Limit (ACL) is set at 1.275 million pounds per fishing year, with specific allocations available for the years 2026 through 2028.

Place of Performance
The geographic area for performance includes open access areas within the Atlantic Sea Scallop fishery management zones.