THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 20, 1994 TAG: 9410200375
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY BETTY MITCHELL GRAY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
Do you have a new idea that might improve the state's fish populations? Do you need assistance putting your idea into words? Would state funds help you improve the state's fisheries?
The state Division of Marine Fisheries and the N.C. Sea Grant want to lend a helping hand.
State fisheries regulators are seeking fishermen, groups of fishermen and others to research new fishing practices, innovative uses of fishing gear and related subjects as part of the state's first Fisheries Resource Grant program.
Early next year, the state will award $1 million in grants to individuals and groups who want to test new equipment, research industry trends, perform environmental pilot studies and study other fisheries issues.
To help those interested in applying for the grants, state fisheries regulators and N.C. Sea Grant officials will hold a workshop at 7 p.m. today at the N.C. Aquarium in Manteo.
The grant program, established by the state legislature this year, is designed to improve the state's coastal fisheries resources and encourage fishermen to participate in the management of the state's fisheries.
``This program, if worked correctly, could be a tremendous shot in the arm,'' said Robert V. Lucas, chairman of the Marine Fisheries Commission. ``Here is the chance for money to go to a fisherman to help get information that we need to better manage the resource.''
To be considered for funding, grant applications must be submitted or postmarked by Jan. 16. Grants will be distributed as evenly as possible among the northern, Pamlico, central and southern areas of the coast, a division spokesman said.
To be considered for funding, projects generally should involve the following:
Research into new fishing gear or strategies to reduce by-catch;
Studies of gear or fishing methods that reduce the effects of fishing on the environment;
Research into new techniques for restoration of coastal fishery habitat;
Testing of aquaculture techniques;
Assessments of fishing industry trends, according to division guidelines.
The workshops will teach fishermen, and others interested in applying for the grants, the process of seeking research funds, ways to write an effective proposal and where to go for technical help with research ideas, said Jim Murray of the Sea Grant Program.
The fisheries grant program - the only one that will provide grants to fishermen for fisheries research - was the brainchild of Senate leader Marc Basnight of Manteo.
Basnight said he envisioned the program as working similarly to agriculture extension projects, which are designed to help farmers become more efficient through research projects. ILLUSTRATION: FISHERIES RESOURCE GRANT PROGRAM
The Division of Marine Fisheries and N.C. Sea Grant will hold a
meeting at 7 p.m. today at the N.C. Aquarium in Manteo, for
fishermen, fisheries organizations and others who want to test new
equipment, research industry trends and study other fisheries
issues. Proposals should be submitted to the Director of Marine
Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557. The deadline for
grant applications is Jan. 16. For answers to questions about the
program, contact N.C. Sea Grant in Raleigh or the regional office of
the Division of Marine Fisheries in your area as follows:
Jess Hawkins, Pamlico Regional Office, Washington, N.C. Telephone
1-800-338-7804 or (919) 946-6481.
Harrel Johnson, Northern Regional Office, Elizabeth City, N.C.
Telephone 1-800-338-7805 or (919) 264-3911.
N.C. Sea Grant Program, Raleigh, telephone (919) 515-2454.
by CNB