FY2013 Marine Debris Research Grants
The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP), authorized in the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act (Marine Debris Act, 33 U.S.C. 1951 et seq., as amended by Title VI of Public Law 112-213.), has a lead role in addressing marine debris affecting the marine environment and navigation safety in the United States. The MDP defines marine debris as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes (15 CFR Part 909). The MDP conducts reduction, prevention, and research activities, as well as, supports grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to address marine debris. It has held regional, national, and international workshops and established an interactive website (www.marinedebris.noaa.gov). The MDP invites applications requesting funding for research into the persistence and chemical impacts of marine debris. Original, hypothesis-driven projects that address one these focus areas is the subject of this funding opportunity. Funding for this purpose comes through the NOAA Marine Debris Program as appropriations to the Office of Response and Restoration, National Ocean Service. NOAA expects to fund research projects in focus areas that have not previously been addressed to scientific standards. This document describes the types of marine debris research that NOAA envisions funding and describes criteria under which applications will be evaluated for funding consideration. Projects selected through this announcement will be implemented through a grant to the awarded institution. Funding requested for research grants in FY2013 is expected to be greater than funds available for this purpose and the selection process is anticipated to be highly competitive. Funding of up to $500,000 is expected to be available to fund marine debris research grants in 2013. Typical awards will range from $25,000 to $200,000. This is not a request for project proposals that address outreach, education, or removal of marine debris; rather it is a focused effort to address specific research topics and advance the state of the science regarding the persistence and chemical impacts of marine debris. Funding is contingent upon the availability of Fiscal Year 2013 appropriations.
Telephone: 301-713-2989).
