SEFSC Bluefin Tuna Research Program
This program funds research that advances science-based management of Atlantic bluefin tuna, including studies of fisheries, abundance, biology, and east-west Atlantic mixing and movement, for eligible U.S. applicants and partners.
⚑ Cooperative Agreement · foreign governments, foreign organizations, and international organizations are excluded · federal agencies or institutions are not eligible · collaboration with ICCAT Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Research Program and other ICCAT partners is strongly encouraged
This is applied fisheries biology/ocean science focused on tuna abundance, movement, and stock management, which is outside IPPRA’s social-behavioral risk, policy, education, and hazard-communication portfolio. There is no clear fit for any roster member as PI-level work.
JUDGED AGAINST THE ROSTER'S PUBLICATION DOSSIER · GPT-5.4-MINI · 2026-08-28
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 80 strong | technical depth: substantial; funds applied research |
| IPPRA | 55 good | portfolio topics: environment, public_health; signature methods: community engaged; social/behavioral work is none; funds applied research; capped at 55 (limited social-science role) |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 25 weak | funds applied research; deep-tech content |
Description
The objective of the program is to provide a basis for advancing science-based fisheries management for Atlantic bluefin tuna. Such advancement will depend upon improvements in understanding of the fisheries, total abundance, and biology of bluefin tuna, especially regarding the effects of mixing and movement between the 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 may be institutions of higher education, nonprofits, commercial organizations, individuals, and state, local, and Indian Tribal governments. Federal agencies or institutions are not eligible. Foreign governments, organizations under the jurisdiction of foreign governments, and international organizations are excluded for purposes of this solicitation since the objective of the BTRP is to optimize research and development benefits from U.S. marine fishery resources.
Apply
View on Grants.gov → CONTACT: Keisha Trent Grantor <Dax.Ruiz@noaa.gov>
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · NOAA / Department of Commerce conventions SEE A NOAA EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — NOAA / Department of Commerce's document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.