FY 25 Bluefin Tuna Research Program

Background
The FY 25 Bluefin Tuna Research Program is administered by the Fisheries Southeast Region Program Office (SE) under NOAA. The program aims to enhance science-based fisheries management for Atlantic bluefin tuna by improving understanding of fisheries, total abundance, and biology. This includes a focus on the mixing and movement between eastern and western Atlantic populations.

This initiative is part of a multi-year research effort involving Contracting Parties to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). It emphasizes collaborative proposals that contribute to ICCAT's management goals.

Grant Details
The program seeks proposals that address specific research priorities related to Atlantic bluefin tuna. Key tasks include:
1) Sampling of hard and soft tissues for population genomics and stock assessments;
2) DNA sampling from US recreational catch-and-release fisheries;
3) Evaluating spawning areas outside the Gulf of Mexico;
4) Conducting large-scale electronic and genetic tagging experiments;
5) Mining historical data to refine catch estimates;
6) Simulation modeling for assessment models;
7) Developing novel fishery-independent techniques; and
8) Integrating satellite remote sensing with oceanographic modeling.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofits, commercial organizations, individuals, and state, local, and Indian Tribal governments. Federal agencies are not eligible. Applicants must include a written agreement with a National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) employee as a project partner.

Period of Performance
The maximum period for awards is up to 12 months, with a suggested start date of September 1, 2025.

Grant Value
Approximately $600,000 is available for FY 2025, with individual project awards ranging from $25,000 to $300,000. The expected average award is $125,000.

Place of Performance
The geographic focus is primarily on the Atlantic Ocean regions relevant to bluefin tuna populations.