By Staff
Funds from sales of fishing licenses underwrite projects
to enhance natural assets
By TED STRONG
Staff Writer
The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission are seeking project proposals to be funded by the N.C. Marine Resources Fund.
The fund was created by the N.C. General Assembly to receive proceeds from the sale of coastal recreational fishing licenses. It provides grants for projects that help manage, protect, restore, develop, cultivate and enhance the marine resources of the state, which is the first criteria for proposals seeking funding.
Only universities, North Carolina local governments, DMF and the Wildlife Resources Commission are eligible to apply for funding. Others wishing to apply for funds must partner with an eligible entity.
Evaluations for proposals will be based on a plan for the conservation and improvement of the state’s marine resources, according to a DMF news release.
The plan can be found on the DMF Web site at http://www.ncfisheries.net/CRFL/index.html.
The plan considers priority research needs identified in fishery management plans approved by the Marine Fisheries Commission, issues identified in the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan and research needs identified cooperatively with other agencies.
Projects being considered for this funding cycle should fall under one of three program areas — fish, habitat and people. The fish program area deals with research projects pertaining to estimates of fishing effort, harvest and mortality of important coastal fish species as well as to socioeconomic attributes of coastal fisheries or the characterization of catch and release mortality.
The habitat program area entails projects that improve the effectiveness of existing environmental programs or that identify, designate or protect coastal fish habitat. Smith said oyster reefs, artificial reef sites and sea grasses are important environments for coastal fish.
The people program area covers projects that provide increased angler access to fisheries resources and enhancement structures, according to the release.
All proposals must be submitted to the DMF director by 5 p.m. Aug. 20. Directions for submitting a proposal and an application form may be downloaded from the DMF Web site. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
For more information, contact Bonnie Jones at (252) 808-8113, 1-800 682-2698 or by e-mail at BonnieB.Jones@ncmail.net.