Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA-NMFS-HCPO-2024-25198
Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce — NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation
Assistance Listing: 11.463 — Habitat Conservation
Funding Instrument: Cooperative Agreement
Funding Type: Discretionary
Category: Natural Resources
Award Range: $100,000 – $1,500,000 (over 3 years)
Typical Award: $100,000 – $700,000 (over 3 years)
Cost Sharing/Matching: No
Posted: February 5, 2024
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 (rolling applications accepted)
Archive Date: April 30, 2026
The Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants support recovery of the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon. Administered by NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program, funding prioritizes habitat restoration actions aligned with the 2019 Recovery Plan and the Species in the Spotlight 5-year action plan.
Purpose and Use:
Proposals are evaluated on:
- Consistency with priority habitat restoration actions in the 2019 Recovery Plan and Species in the Spotlight 2021-2025 action plan
- Improvement of fish passage and connectivity between the Gulf of Maine and freshwater spawning/rearing habitats within designated Critical Habitat
- Use of proven restoration techniques, with barrier removal as highest priority
Eligible activities include:
- Feasibility studies
- Planning and assessments linked to restoration implementation
- Engineering design and permitting
- On-the-ground implementation
- Pre- and post-removal monitoring
- Stakeholder engagement
Eligibility:
Eligible applicants include:
- Public and private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
- Commercial (for-profit) organizations
- State, local, and tribal governments
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- Other Native American tribal organizations
Geographic Requirement:
Projects must occur within one or more Salmon Habitat Recovery Units (SHRUs) in Maine:
- Merrymeeting Bay (Androscoggin, Kennebec, Sheepscot, Pemaquid, Medomak, St. George watersheds)
- Penobscot Bay (entire Penobscot basin west to Ducktrap watershed)
- Downeast Coastal (Union River east to Dennys River)
Additional Notes:
Federal agencies and federal employees are not eligible. Federal agencies are encouraged to partner with eligible applicants. Awards are contingent on FY24-FY26 Congressional appropriations.
Grantor Contact:
Amanda Cousart, Competition Manager — amanda.cousart@noaa.gov | 301-337-9447
