Funding available for Maine scallop research

The Maine Sea Grant is seeking funding proposals for projects that aim to improve the management of the state’s scallop fishery.

The University of Maine’s grant program, funded with $20,000 by the Maine Community Foundation, is planning to award projects requesting between $2,000 and $10,000, according to the Maine Sea Grant’s website. Proposals are due June 16.

Private sector and industry groups may apply, but they must partner with a resource management agency, nonprofit organization or research institute to be eligible.

A panel of researchers, educators, agency members and industry members will review funding proposals based on their relevance to Maine’s scallop management likely impact, feasibility, team personnel and collaborative approach and budget.

Awarded projects must begin by July 1 and last for one year at most. The projects’ results must then be provided in a written report to the Maine Sea Grant, and presented to the Maine Scallop Advisory Council and the 2015 Maine Fishermen’s Forum.

Funding proposals can be sent to Paul S. Angerson, director of the Maine Sea Grant College Program, at 5784 York Complex, Orono, ME 04496, or sgresearch@maine.edu.

Maine’s scallop fishery brought in nearly $5.2 million in 2013. The state Department of Marine Resources enacted new conservation closures for scallops in several areas earlier this year.

Read more

Two bays closed for scallop harvesting