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GRANTS AND RESEARCH PROJECTS

 
 

The NOAA Fisheries Service Northeast Region's Protected Resources Division administers grants and cooperative agreements to a variety of partners, including state agencies, fishing industry members, and non-profit organizations, to provide financial assistance to address research questions and management needs for protected marine species. The funding for these projects originates from a variety of sources, including Congressionally-directed and discretionary funds.

PRD Grant Projects

Click on a selected category for more information on the grants that have been funded. The projects marked with an * within the below project summary tables are those that address more than one of the below topics and are thus listed in multiple tables.

Competitive Grant Opportunities for Protected Species Research

Northeast Region Fisheries-Related Grants and Program

  • Northeast Region Grant Resources – The Northeast Region's Operations and Budget Division administers programs of financial assistance under which Federal funds are made available to states and other non-Federal interests (including Fishery Management Councils) to further the conservation, management, and utilization of fishery resources in the Northwest Atlantic.
  • Cooperative Research Programs – The Northeast Regional Office and Northeast Fisheries Science Center support a variety of programs focusing on collaborations between fishermen and scientists to gather information to assist in fisheries management efforts.

 

For more information, please contact Amanda Johnson at Amanda.Johnson@noaa.gov.
     

Gear Research Projects
Recipient Project Title Project Period Federal Funding Project Description Final Report Availability Final Report Summary
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Reducing Rope Damage in Sinking Groundlines by Adjusting the Lobster Gear Hauling Equipment 10/1/07 through 9/30/08 $44,700 The goal of this project is to evaluate how minor changes to lobster gear hauling equipment will affect the service life of non-buoyant sinking groundline. Final Report on a Project Designed to Reduce Damage to Sinking Groundlines by Adjusting Lobster Gear Hauling Equipment (revised 2/3/09) Hauler configuration plays a major role in determining rope deterioration. Of the 22 configurations tested, the Hydroslave stamped steel sheaves provided the best results. Surface smoothness of the sheaves is critical in determining rope wear. Regardless of sediment intrusion, blended polyester and Polysteel sinking groundlines demonstrated greater breaking strength loss when compared to floating Polysteel line.
Skilligalee, Inc. Trap Gear Fishing Without Use of Vertical Lines 10/1/09 through 9/30/11 $60,000 Vertical lines have been identified as a source of entanglement risk to large whales, such right, humpback, and fin whales. This project, occurring off the coast of Maryland and in coordination with the NOAA Fisheries Service Gear Research Team, studies the feasibility of fishing trap/pot gear without the use of vertical lines when compared to fishing trap/pot gear in the traditional manner, with vertical lines. Trap Fishing Without the Use of Vertical Lines (December 2011) Over the course of two fishing seasons, 360 hauls were completed (180 traditional gear hauls and 180 hauls of gear without vertical lines). The grappling equipment was constantly modified to reduce hauling times and make the grappling easier and safer. Over the course of the project, the time to grapple trap strings without vertical lines was reduced by 44%. While it is possible to grapple gear without vertical lines, the report highlights a number of complications associated with this practice that exist, rendering it economically infeasible.
Pemaquid Fishermen's Cooperative Association Mitigation Gear Research 10/1/09 through 9/30/11 $91,500 Vertical lines have been identified as a source of entanglement risk to large whales, such right, humpback, and fin whales. Two projects are being conducted in the Gulf of Maine in coordination with the NOAA Fisheries Service Gear Research Team to help address this risk. The first project examines the feasibility of fishing experimental trap/pot gear without the use of vertical lines when compared to fishing trap/pot gear with the use of vertical lines. The second project will test a new gear modification device called a thwartable bottom link attached at the bottom of a vertical line Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 9/30/11. Final report is due on 12/29/11.
Maine Department of Marine Resources* Maine Fishing Gear Exchange and Research Program 10/1/09 through 12/31/11 $1,700,000 The Maine Fishing Gear Exchange and Research Program is a multidimensional project that focuses on addressing both gear and whale research needs to further management efforts to reduce interactions between large whales and fixed gear fisheries. Over $1M was provided to the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation to continue implementing the groundline exchange project in the state of Maine (the final gear exchange was held in August 2010). The remaining funds are being used to collect of gear configuration information from commercial fixed gear fishermen in Maine; to conduct aerial and boat-based gear density surveys; to implement passive acoustic buoys for detecting large whales; and to conduct plankton sampling off the Maine coast. Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 12/31/11. Final report is due on 3/30/12.
Maine Department of Marine Resources* Determination of Fishing Gear Density and the Potential Overlap with Endangered Large Whales in Maine 10/1/10 through 6/30/12 $549,450 This project furthers the efforts of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to reduce entanglement risks to endangered large whales. Four projects are occurring that collect information that can be used to address the most pressing issues facing management efforts by NMFS and the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (ALWTRT), including risks associated with vertical lines. These projects include collecting information on the density and seasonality of vertical lines off the coast of Maine; collecting habitat use and distribution information for endangered large whale species through the use of passive acoustics; and collaborating with the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation to conduct lobster fishery conferences, which are intended to seek industry involvement to address issues facing the lobster industry, including risks to large whales from lobster fishing gear Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 6/30/12. Final report is due on 9/28/12.
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program 10/1/09 through 9/30/10 $25,000 Through this project, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries staff continues to collaborate with staff at the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies on the right whale surveillance and monitoring program for Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters. Additionally, they continue to support the efforts of the Atlantic Large Whale Disentanglement Network and other large whale conservation needs, including ghost gear removal, enforcement of state and Federal regulations to address fisheries interactions with large whales, and outreach and education efforts. Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program (revised 2/7/11) The Protected Species Specialist conducted activities in support of large whale conservation efforts, including: collaborating with the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies on the right whale surveillance and habitat monitoring program as well as the large whale disentanglement program, working with MA enforcement on ghost gear removal and gear compliance efforts, issuing advisories for the prevention of vessel strikes to right whales, and conducting numerous outreach activities.
Stigall Consulting Group, LLC (PI, Randy Stigall) Commercial Fishing Line RFID Tagging Study 10/1/10 through 9/30/11 $18,000 This study, which is being conducted in coordination with the NOAA Fisheries Service Gear Research Team, assesses the feasibility of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags to identify and track fishing gear throughout the ocean and to identify the source of fishing gear recovered from entangled marine mammals. It also examines the logistics of utilizing RFID tags in the marine environment, including reading tags at sea, proper attachment of tags to fishing gear, and the longevity and durability of tags in a saltwater environment. NOAA RFID Fishing Line Tagging (November 2011) Initial at-sea testing of commercially available RFID tags were completed by either tying the tags to the fishing line or weaving them into the line. None of these attachment methods were successful. Several unprotected RFID inlays were immersed for 3-4 months in a saline bath and periodically tested for readability. Field tests involving these inlays were then completed. Tags were attached to the fishing line using self-fusing tape and run through the hauler 25 times. The Ultra High Frequency tags successfully maintained readability; however, the self-adherence attachment method could not withstand the hauling process. Suggested future research involves embedding tags within the line during the manufacturing process when the line is elongated.
* The Maine Department of Marine Resources project, "Maine Fishing Gear Exchange and Research Program," is also listed under "Fishing Gear Exchange/Buyback Projects" and "Whale Research Projects."
* The Maine Department of Marine Resources project, "Determination of Fishing Gear Density and the Potential Overlap with Endangered Large Whales in Maine," is also listed under "Whale Research Projects."

Bycatch Reduction Projects
Recipient Project Title Project Period Federal Funding Project Description Final Report Availability Final Report Summary
New England Aquarium Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction 4/1/07 through 3/31/09 $374,771 The Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction assists in the recovery of protected marine species by reducing the risks of entanglement in commercial or recreational fishing gear. Specific projects include: research and development of alternative fishing ropes; research and development of approaches to reduce depredation by cetaceans and other species; applied research on wildlife behavior and sensory systems; and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction Final Report (7/30/09) The report's appendices are also available.

• Appendix A
• Appendix B
• Appendix C
• Appendix D
• Appendix E
• Appendix F
• Appendix G

 A number of bycatch reduction projects were carried out, including: field testing experimental groundlines and buoy lines in Maine (including weak rope and time tension line cutters); conducting controlled experiments running a model right whale flipper into buoy lines, providing some insights into flipper entanglements; conducting trials with spiny dogfish to reduce shark bycatch in longline gear through the use of electropositive rare earth metals as potential deterrents; characterizing the nature and timing of pilot whale associations with the pelagic longline fishery off NC; completing online database of bycatch studies; conducting annual meeting; conducting a literature review to produce a paper assessing endangered species bycatch; and collecting baseline information on common ropes used in fixed gear fisheries in the Northeast.
New England Aquarium Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction 10/1/09 through 9/30/12 $1,248,750 The Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction assists in the recovery of protected marine species by reducing the risks of entanglement in commercial or recreational fishing gear. Specific projects include: examining the dynamics of large whale entanglements in fixed gear; rope interaction experiments with vertical lines using a model right whale flipper; modeling whale entanglement events; marine mammal color vision experiments; evaluating right whale visual bycatch deterrents; identifying current best lobster fishing practices for mitigating large whale entanglement risk; pilot whale/longline interaction studies including stable isotope analysis of pilot whale diet and testing whale-safe hooks to reduce bycatch; and using electropositive metals to reduce shark bycatch in longline gear. Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 9/30/12. Final report is due on 12/29/12.
New England Aquarium Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction 10/1/10 through 9/30/12 $1,248,750 The Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction assists in the recovery of protected marine species by reducing the risks of entanglement in commercial or recreational fishing gear. Specific projects include: evaluation of Western Australian stiff rope fishing; improving feasibility of sinking groundline; outreach on best lobster fishing practices; evaluating right whale visual bycatch deterrents (phase 2); evaluating rope-less fishing (acoustic release); testing various hook designs and strengths to find potential solutions to cetacean interactions with longline gear; and testing "whale-safe" hooks in Hawaiian longline gear to reduce false killer whale interactions with this fishery. Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 9/30/12. Final report is due on 12/29/12.

Fishing Gear Exchange/Buyback Projects
Recipient Project Title Project Period Federal Funding Project Description Final Report Availability Final Report Summary
Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation Protected Species Bycatch Reduction – Maine Bottom Line Project (Phases I & II) 6/1/06 through 3/31/11 $2,554,158 ($1,873,858 in 2006; $680,300 in 2007) Entanglement in floating groundline is considered a serious threat to endangered large whales in the Atlantic Ocean. The Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation is coordinating a groundline exchange program in Maine that provides financial assistance to lobstermen to facilitate the exchange of floating groundline for whale-safe, sinking groundline. Responsible methods taken for recycling the rope ensures that none of the rope would be returned to the ocean.

The Bottom Line Project Final Report 06/01/2006 – 03/31/2011 (8/10/11)

 This award represents the inception of the floating groundline exchange project available to assist Maine lobstermen in the conversion from the use of floating groundlines to the use of sinking groundlines. Over the course of the entire project (including this award and others), over $2.8M was provided in financial assistance to over 1,150 Maine lobstermen, removing over 2M lbs. of floating groundline from the ocean. A summary of all line collections can be found on page 21 within the final report.
Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation Protected Species Bycatch Reduction – Maine Bottom Line Project (Phases III and IV) 9/1/08 through 12/31/09 $456,738 ($356,843 in 2008; $99,900 in 2009) Additional funds were provided to continue support for the groundline exchange project being conducted in Maine under NOAA award NA06NMF4520121. The Bottom Line Project Final Report (3/31/10) Funds were used to plan and hold two gear exchange events in March 2009 (Ellsworth and Rockland, ME), resulting in the collection of over 300,000 lbs. of floating groundline from nearly 300 participants. Over $450,000 in vouchers was issued for use toward the purchase of sinking groundline. Collected rope was either recycled or provided to companies that weave the rope into doormats.
Maine Department of Marine Resources* Maine Fishing Gear Exchange and Research Program 10/1/09 through 12/31/11 $1,700,000 The Maine Fishing Gear Exchange and Research Program is a multidimensional project that focuses on addressing both gear and whale research needs to further management efforts to reduce interactions between large whales and fixed gear fisheries. Over $1M was provided to the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation to continue implementing the groundline exchange project in the state of Maine (the final gear exchange was held in August 2010). The remaining funds are being used to collect of gear configuration information from commercial fixed gear fishermen in Maine; to conduct aerial and boat-based gear density surveys; to implement passive acoustic buoys for detecting large whales; and to conduct plankton sampling off the Maine coast. Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 12/31/11. Final report is due on 3/30/12.
Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation Groundline Exchange/ Conversion Plan - 2009 10/1/09 through 7/31/11 $3,000,000 The Groundline Exchange/Conversion Plan provides financial assistance to eligible lobster fishermen who have been required to convert from floating to sinking groundline as mandated by the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP). Eligible fishermen include trap/pot lobstermen from the state of Rhode Island that fish in Lobster Management Area 2, as well as trap/pot lobstermen fishing in Lobster Management Area 3. Groundline Exchange/Conversion Plan - 2009 Final Report This successful project provided financial assistance to 48 eligible Lobster Management Area 3 and 108 eligible Lobster Management Area 2 (from the state of Rhode Island) permit holders for complying with federal regulations to reduce large whale entanglements. Vouchers amounting to $2,258,452 and $412,601 were awarded to the Area 3 and Area 2 participants, respectively. Over one million pounds of sinking groundline was purchased by Area 3 participants, and over 179,000 pounds were purchased by Area 2 participants. This project was completed in less than two years, and provided over 90% of the awarded funds directly to lobster fishermen in the form of financial assistance.
*This project is also listed under "Gear Research Projects" and "Whale Research Projects."

Large Whale Disentanglement Response Projects
Recipient Project Title Project Period Federal Funding Project Description Final Report Availability Final Report Summary
Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies* Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program 7/1/09 through 6/30/10 $700,000 The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) supports the Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program by conducting aerial and vessel surveillance and habitat monitoring studies of large whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, as well as providing entanglement response to large whales in greater Massachusetts waters. The program is a joint effort between the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, PCCS, and NMFS to gain knowledge on and help protect large whales in Massachusetts and adjacent waters, which provide important habitat for large whales.

The Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program Final Report (revised 1/20/11)

 PCCS conducted its right whale surveillance and monitoring program, as well as large whale disentanglement response efforts. Thirty-two aerial surveys were flown from January 1-May 15, sighting 202 individual right whales. Nineteen habitat sampling cruises occurred in which approximately 500 zooplankton samples were collected, assisting forecasting and risk prediction analyses. The large whale disentanglement team received 150 reports, confirmed 26 entangled cetacean sightings, and resolved 6 entanglements (4 right and 2 humpback whales). The team also continued in-house readiness and response training, and conducted outreach to promote entanglement awareness.
Maine Department of Marine Resources Maine Large Whale Disentanglement Response 7/1/09 through 6/30/14 $25,000 The Maine Department of Marine Resources, in collaboration with NMFS, acts as a regional responder in coastal Gulf of Maine waters as part of the Atlantic Large Whale Disentanglement Network by reporting and responding to large whale entanglements, receiving disentanglement training, and providing outreach and education to the commercial fishing industry as well as other community members to help increase entanglement reporting. This project assists NMFS in its management strategy for the East Coast Disentanglement Program. Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 6/30/14. Final report is due on 9/28/14.
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries* Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program 7/1/10 through 6/30/11 $599,999 Through this project, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) provides funds to the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) to continue collaborative efforts on the right whale surveillance and monitoring program for Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters. Activities include conducting aerial and vessel surveillance and habitat monitoring studies of large whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, as well as providing entanglement response to large whales in greater Massachusetts waters. The program is a joint effort between MA DMF, PCCS, and NMFS to gain knowledge on and help protect large whales in Massachusetts and adjacent waters, which provide important habitat for large whales. Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program Final Report: July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011 (November 2011) The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, in partnership with the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, conducted its right whale surveillance and monitoring program, and continued its large whale disentanglement response efforts. Twenty-nine aerial surveys were flown within and east of Cape Cod Bay, and in Nantucket Sound, between January 1 and May 25, 2011, sighting 311 individual right whales, which represents approximately 65% of the population. Seventeen habitat sampling cruises occurred in which approximately 687 zooplankton samples were collected, assisting forecasting and risk prediction analyses and making preliminary assessments of how the zooplankton resource can influence large whale behavior and exposure to vessel strike and entanglement risks. The large whale disentanglement team received over 200 reports, confirmed 39 entangled cetacean sightings, and resolved or partially resolved 5 entanglements (2 right and 3 humpback whales) and 3 whales (1 humpback and 2 right whales) shed the gear on their own. The team also continued in-house readiness and response training, and conducted outreach to promote entanglement awareness.
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries* Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program 8/1/11 through 7/31/12 $599,851 The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) provides funds to the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) to continue collaborative efforts on the right whale surveillance and monitoring program for Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters. Activities include conducting aerial and vessel surveillance and habitat monitoring studies of large whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, as well as providing entanglement response to large whales in greater Massachusetts waters. The program is a joint effort between MA DMF, PCCS, and NMFS to monitor and protect large whales in Massachusetts and adjacent waters. Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 7/31/2012. Final report is due on 10/29/2012.
Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies+ Large Whale Entanglement Response Enhancements 9/1/11 through 8/31/12 $12,697 Through this project, PCCS will enhance its large whale disentanglement program and gear recovery efforts. Supplemental aerial flight time (16 flight hours) will occur outside of the timeframe of the dedicated right whale aerial surveys (roughly January through April) in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters to support on-water entanglement responses and allow for searches of entangled whales, thus enhancing gear recovery efforts. Funds will also be used for the development of an enhanced disentanglement tool. Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 8/31/2012. Final report is due on 11/29/2012.
* These projects are also listed under "Whale Research Projects."
+ The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies project, "Large Whale Entanglement Response Enhancements," is also listed under "Northeast Region Marine Mammal Grant Program Projects."

Whale Research Projects
Recipient Project Title Project Period Federal Funding Project Description Final Report Availability Final Report Summary
Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies* Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program 7/1/09 through 6/30/10 $700,000 The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) supports the Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program by conducting aerial and vessel surveillance and habitat monitoring studies of large whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, as well as providing entanglement response to large whales in greater Massachusetts waters. The program is a joint effort between the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, PCCS, and NMFS to gain knowledge on and help protect large whales in Massachusetts and adjacent waters, which provide important habitat for large whales.

The Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program Final Report (revised 1/20/11)

 PCCS conducted its right whale surveillance and monitoring program, as well as large whale disentanglement response efforts. Thirty-two aerial surveys were flown from January 1-May 15, sighting 202 individual right whales. Nineteen habitat sampling cruises occurred in which approximately 500 zooplankton samples were collected, assisting forecasting and risk prediction analyses. The large whale disentanglement team received 150 reports, confirmed 26 entangled cetacean sightings, and resolved 6 entanglements (4 right and 2 humpback whales). The team also continued in-house readiness and response training, and conducted outreach to promote entanglement awareness.
Maine Department of Marine Resources* Maine Fishing Gear Exchange and Research Program 10/1/09 through 12/31/11 $1,700,000 The Maine Fishing Gear Exchange and Research Program is a multidimensional project that focuses on addressing both gear and whale research needs to further management efforts to reduce interactions between large whales and fixed gear fisheries. Over $1M was provided to the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation to continue implementing the groundline exchange project in the state of Maine (the final gear exchange was held in August 2010). The remaining funds are being used to collect of gear configuration information from commercial fixed gear fishermen in Maine; to conduct aerial and boat-based gear density surveys; to implement passive acoustic buoys for detecting large whales; and to conduct plankton sampling off the Maine coast. Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 12/31/11. Final report is due on 3/30/12.
Maine Department of Marine Resources* Determination of Fishing Gear Density and the Potential Overlap with Endangered Large Whales in Maine 10/1/10 through 6/30/12 $549,450 This project furthers the efforts of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to reduce entanglement risks to endangered large whales. Four projects are occurring that collect information that can be used to address the most pressing issues facing management efforts by NMFS and the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (ALWTRT), including risks associated with vertical lines. These projects include collecting information on the density and seasonality of vertical lines off the coast of Maine; collecting habitat use and distribution information for endangered large whale species through the use of passive acoustics; and collaborating with the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation to conduct lobster fishery conferences, which are intended to seek industry involvement to address issues facing the lobster industry, including risks to large whales from lobster fishing gear. Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 6/30/12. Final report is due on 9/28/12.
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries* Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program 7/1/10 through 6/30/11 $599,999 Through this project, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) provides funds to the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) to continue collaborative efforts on the right whale surveillance and monitoring program for Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters. Activities include conducting aerial and vessel surveillance and habitat monitoring studies of large whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, as well as providing entanglement response to large whales in greater Massachusetts waters. The program is a joint effort between MA DMF, PCCS, and NMFS to gain knowledge on and help protect large whales in Massachusetts and adjacent waters, which provide important habitat for large whales. Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program Final Report: July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011 (November 2011) The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, in partnership with the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, conducted its right whale surveillance and monitoring program, and continued its large whale disentanglement response efforts. Twenty-nine aerial surveys were flown within and east of Cape Cod Bay, and in Nantucket Sound, between January 1 and May 25, 2011, sighting 311 individual right whales, which represents approximately 65% of the population. Seventeen habitat sampling cruises occurred in which approximately 687 zooplankton samples were collected, assisting forecasting and risk prediction analyses and making preliminary assessments of how the zooplankton resource can influence large whale behavior and exposure to vessel strike and entanglement risks. The large whale disentanglement team received over 200 reports, confirmed 39 entangled cetacean sightings, and resolved or partially resolved 5 entanglements (2 right and 3 humpback whales) and 3 whales (1 humpback and 2 right whales) shed the gear on their own. The team also continued in-house readiness and response training, and conducted outreach to promote entanglement awareness.
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries* Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program 8/1/11 through 7/31/12 $599,851 The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) provides funds to the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) to continue collaborative efforts on the right whale surveillance and monitoring program for Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters. Activities include conducting aerial and vessel surveillance and habitat monitoring studies of large whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, as well as providing entanglement response to large whales in greater Massachusetts waters. The program is a joint effort between MA DMF, PCCS, and NMFS to monitor and protect large whales in Massachusetts and adjacent waters. Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 7/31/2012. Final report is due on 10/29/2012.
* The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies project, "Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program," is also listed under "Large Whale Disentanglement Response Projects." * The Maine Department of Marine Resources project, "Maine Fishing Gear Exchange and Research Program," is also listed under "Fishing Gear Exchange/Buyback Projects" and "Whale Research Projects." * The Maine Department of Marine Resources project, "Determination of Fishing Gear Density and the Potential Overlap with Endangered Large Whales in Maine," is also listed under "Whale Research Projects." * The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries project, "Massachusetts Large Whale Conservation Program," is also listed under "Large Whale Disentanglement Response Projects."

Northeast Region Marine Mammal Grant Program Projects
Recipient Project Title Project Period Federal Funding Project Description Final Report Availability Final Report Summary
Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS)+ Large Whale Entanglement Response Enhancements 9/1/11 through 8/31/12 $12,697 Through this project, PCCS will enhance its large whale disentanglement program and gear recovery efforts. Supplemental aerial flight time (16 flight hours) will occur outside of the timeframe of the dedicated right whale aerial surveys (roughly January through April) in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters to support on-water entanglement responses and allow for searches of entangled whales, thus enhancing gear recovery efforts. Funds will also be used for the development of an enhanced disentanglement tool.

Not yet available.

 Project in progress. Grant expires on 8/31/2012. Final report is due on 11/29/2012.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) Establish WAVE in the Northeast Region of the U.S.: Whale Abundance in the Mid-Atlantic, Vessel Strike Impacts, and the Value of Education on Commercial Whale Watching Vessels in the Northeast Region 10/1/11 through 9/30/12 $30,583.73 This project focuses on promoting stewardship in the marine environment and the responsible viewing of living marine resources. WDCS will quantify the harassment of humpback whales in the northeast region from vessels through an evaluation of historical scar data, which may be used to expand existing whale watching guidelines to help reduce risks to large whales from vessel collisions; work with whale watching companies in NJ and VA to encourage responsible whale watching activities and collection of whale sightings information; and develop and circulate a survey to whale watch passengers to obtain knowledge of the effectiveness of the messages that are provided to passengers during whale watch trips. Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 9/30/2012. Final report is due on 12/29/2012.
University of Connecticut Cytokines and Acute Phase Proteins: Validation of a New Rapid Diagnostic Assay to Measure the Health of Stranded Marine Mammals 9/1/11 through 8/31/12 $25,654 This project will attempt to validate the use of a new diagnostic tool, the Luminex multiplex platform, in quantifying pinniped cytokines and acute phase proteins by comparing the results to studies using human reagent kits. Stranding and rehabilitation facilities seek better diagnostic tools for assessing the health of stranded animals, as these tools may allow for a reduction in rehabilitation costs and overall stranding-related expenses. The Luminex diagnostic tool may provide an avenue to quickly (within 24 hours) diagnose sub-clinical signs of inflammation and infection that may not be revealed during a regular medical examination. Not yet available. Project in progress. Grant expires on 8/31/12. Final report is due on 11/29/2012.
+ The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies project, "Large Whale Entanglement Response Enhancements," is also listed under "Large Whale Disentanglement Response Projects."
Last Updated: February 29, 2012

 

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