SEFSC Bluefin Tuna Research Program 2026 Grant

DOC-DOCNOAAERA

About this grant

The SEFSC Bluefin Tuna Research Program aims to provide a basis for advancing science-based fisheries management for Atlantic bluefin tuna. The program seeks to improve understanding of bluefin tuna fisheries, total abundance, and biology, with particular focus on the effects of mixing and movement between eastern and western Atlantic populations. Contracting Parties to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), of which the US is one, and other partners have embarked upon a multi-year research program on bluefin tuna as a step toward improving ICCAT's science-based management of bluefin fisheries. Research sponsored under this funding opportunity represents a contribution to this partnership. Proposals that demonstrate collaborations with the ICCAT Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Research Program and other ICCAT partners are strongly encouraged.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofits, commercial organizations, individuals, and state, local, and Indian Tribal governments. Specifically eligible are public and state controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits having 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status other than institutions of higher education, state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), small businesses, and for profit organizations other than small businesses. Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible. Foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and international organizations are excluded since the objective of the program is to optimize research and development benefits from U.S. marine fishery resources.

Key requirements

• ✓Research must advance science-based fisheries management for Atlantic bluefin tuna
• ✓Focus on understanding bluefin tuna abundance, biology, and mixing/movement between eastern and western Atlantic populations
• ✓Collaboration with ICCAT Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Research Program and other ICCAT partners strongly encouraged
• ✓Contribution to multi-year international research partnership on bluefin tuna

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does DOC-DOCNOAAERA offer?

SEFSC Bluefin Tuna Research Program offers $25K – $300K.

When is the SEFSC Bluefin Tuna Research Program deadline?

Applications close 31 Dec 2026.

Who can apply for SEFSC Bluefin Tuna Research Program?

Eligibility covers organisations in US, GLOBAL; university, research-institution, nonprofit, consortium. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Ocean and blue economy funding covers marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, coastal resilience and ocean technology. Support comes from public research bodies, development finance and ocean-focused foundations. Calls often favour projects that involve coastal communities and that can be monitored at sea.