Special Research Grants for Aquaculture Research Program

Background
The Aquaculture Research program aims to support the development of an environmentally and economically sustainable aquaculture industry in the U.S. It seeks to generate new science-based information and innovation to address industry constraints. The program's long-term goals include improving the profitability of the U.S. aquaculture industry, reducing the U.S. trade deficit, increasing domestic food security, providing markets for U.S.-produced grain products, increasing domestic aquaculture business investment opportunities, and creating more jobs for rural and coastal America.

Grant Details
The Special Research Grants for Aquaculture Research program will fund applied aquaculture research projects that directly address major constraints to the U.S. aquaculture industry. The program priorities include genetics of commercial aquaculture species, critical disease issues impacting aquaculture species, design of environmentally and economically sustainable aquaculture production systems, development of climate resilient technologies for commercial aquaculture species, and economic research for increasing commercial aquaculture profitability.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include State agricultural experiment stations, all colleges and universities, other research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, private organizations or corporations, and individuals. Applicants must conduct research, extension, or education activities to facilitate or expand breakthroughs in areas of food and agricultural sciences important to the United States.

Period of Performance
The grant duration is 24 months with a maximum award amount of $300,000. If funded with FY 2023 appropriations, the start date of projects will be adjusted to FY 2023. Recipients may be eligible for a no-cost extension for a third year.

Grant Value
$1.936 million is anticipated for FY 2022 with an average award range of $50,000 - $300,000.

Place of Performance
Projects must be conducted within the United States.