National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Announces New Grants for Sustainable Fisheries

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced the second round of grant awards from its Fisheries Innovation Fund, a program launched in 2010 to support sustainable fisheries in the U.S. With the goal of sustaining fishermen while rebuilding fish stocks, the new grants will aid the design and implementation of projects that provide technical and practical support for working fishing communities across the country. 

"In the first round of the Fisheries Innovation Fund, we invested in innovative ideas that will help communities maximize limited fisheries resources, minimize bycatch and explore new monitoring technologies," explained Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "With our new grants, we will share approaches that have proven successful with a wider audience, and support local efforts to secure fishing opportunities for the future."

"The Fisheries Innovation Fund promotes creative ideas and solutions for better fisheries management around the country," said Sam Rauch, Acting Assistant Administrator for NOAA's Fisheries Service. "Many of the projects originate directly from fishermen and address local challenges and opportunities at the community level. We look forward to working with the individuals and organizations who receive the 2012 grants as they develop and share their projects to support the sustainability of U.S. fisheries."

The 18 grants for 2012 total $1.55 million, and will be matched by over $1.2 million from the grantees. NFWF's Fisheries Innovation Fund is supported by NOAA, the Walton Family Foundation, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

Details on the 2012 Fisheries Innovation Fund grant awards are available at www.nfwf.org/fisheriesfund/2012Grants and www.nmfs.noaa.gov.  

SOURCE National Fish and Wildlife Foundation