2026 Marine Mammal Co-Management Grant Program

The Marine Mammal Co-Management Grant Program, administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is a federal funding opportunity aimed at supporting Alaska Native Organizations (ANOs) in the sustainable management and conservation of marine mammals. This grant is authorized under 16 U.S.C. § 1388 and recognizes the cultural, nutritional, and economic importance of marine mammals to Alaska Native communities. Through cooperative agreements, this program offers technical and financial assistance to enhance co-management strategies, preserve subsistence practices, and ensure compliance with federal conservation priorities. The program supports a wide range of activities including the development and implementation of management strategies, subsistence harvest monitoring and sampling, scientific research, and educational outreach initiatives. Priority is given to proposals that align with the goals of existing Endangered Species Act Recovery Plans or Marine Mammal Protection Act Conservation Plans. Key areas of interest include harvest monitoring, integration of traditional knowledge, research efforts, food security for coastal communities, management of subsistence use, public education, support of international subsistence quota efforts, and strengthening of co-management agreements. Projects must focus solely on species under NMFS jurisdiction; those under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will not be considered. Eligible applicants are limited to ANOs that have an existing co-management agreement with NOAA Fisheries. If another entity is designated as a fiduciary agent, a formal agreement outlining responsibilities must accompany the application. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching funds, making it accessible to a broader range of eligible participants. Projects may span from 12 months to up to three years in duration. For multi-year projects, separate plans and budgets for each year must be included. The earliest permissible start date for funded projects is September 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 7:59 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on May 31, 2026. Paper submissions are allowed for applicants without internet access. The application package includes several standard federal forms (e.g., SF-424 series), a project abstract, summary, narrative, budget narrative, data sharing plan, and proof of an active co-management agreement. Incomplete applications or those missing required elements will be rejected. Proposals must follow specific format and content requirements and should not exceed 30 pages, with the narrative portion capped at 27 pages. The evaluation process consists of an initial screening, panel review, and final selection by a NOAA Selecting Official. Review criteria include alignment with program priorities, technical merit, project management capability, and cost realism. NOAA emphasizes cooperative engagement, including data sharing and performance reporting throughout the project lifecycle. Semi-annual performance and financial reports are required. The selection timeline anticipates award announcements before September 1, 2026, with NOAA reserving the right to partially fund proposals. Contact for this grant is the NOAA NMFS Alaska Regional Office via email at [email protected]. The program is governed by standard federal administrative, scientific integrity, and environmental compliance regulations. It encourages projects that reflect the principles of Gold Standard Science, ensure equitable workplace practices, and contribute to national conservation and food security goals.

Ensure measurable objectives; clearly justify NOAA's role and funding need; align with priority actions in Recovery or Conservation Plans.