Fishermen’s Partnership Announces Support for Fishermen to Access Research Funding

The Massachusetts Fishermen’s Partnership (MFP) is pleased to announce the availability of a professional staff person to help fishermen and fishing organizations write and manage cooperative research project proposals. The MFP’s new service is available at no cost to fishermen to help them access research funds, such as a $5 million federal appropriation made available by the Northeast Consortium, a group of four research institutions (University of New Hampshire, University of Maine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) that are working together to support social and technological advancements in the fishing industry.

The Consortium has $5M available to encourage and fund partnerships among commercial fishermen, researchers, and other stakeholders to become active participants in cooperative research and the development of selective fishing gear technology. Commercial fishermen and commercial fishing vessels are particularly encouraged to participate in cooperative research using these funds. Deadline is April 23, 2003.

The MFP is an umbrella organization of 17 commercial fishing associations representing all gear and geographic sectors of the Massachusetts fishing industry, and was created to promote the common interests and economic viability of commercial fishermen and fishing families.

Fishermen or fishing associations interested in MFP help to write proposals or identify research partners may contact Olivia Rugo, Collaborative Research Coordinator, Massachusetts Fishermen's Partnership, at 978-282-4847 or orugo@fishermenspartnership.org.

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