Right Whale Research Program

The Right Whale Research Program (formerly known as the Fishing Gear Mini-Grants Program and the Fishing Gear Research Program) emphasizes the funding of projects that aim to reduce the risk of serious injury and mortality to large whales, especially right whales, from entanglements in commercial fishing gear. NOAA Fisheries Service encourages the submission of projects by commercial fishermen or other industry-related professions and encourages applicants to work with NOAA Fisheries Service staff to develop their research idea or concept. In 2006, the Right Whale Research Program expanded its scope and began accepting proposals for projects that address some right whale biological needs in support of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP). This program is open to all U.S. citizens, is offered annually, as funding allows, and does not require matching funds.

• Funded Projects – View summaries of projects that have been funded through this program from 2002 to the present
  • 2003 (Round 1)
  • 2003 (Round 2)
  • 2004 (Round 3)
  • 2004 (Round 4)
  • 2005 (Round 5)
  • 2006 (Round 6)

• Research Priorities – A number of gear research and biological needs priorities have been identified by NOAA Fisheries Service

Please click here for Contact Information concerning these grants

For general information on protected resources programs, visit the Northeast Regional Office’s Protected Resources Division

Last Updated: June 26, 2007