Updated deadline: To accommodate for technical difficulties with Grants.gov in early January, we have extended the deadline for proposals to January 19, 2022, at 11:59 PM Eastern time.
NOAA is announcing the availability of up to $10 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to continue our work restoring habitat for Great Lakes native fisheries. We are seeking proposals for projects that restore Great Lakes habitats, helping to strengthen ecosystems and fisheries, benefit local economies, and support resilient communities. Proposals are due January 19, 2022.
As the largest freshwater system on earth, the Great Lakes are an important ecological and economic resource. They support valuable commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries that are collectively valued at $7 billion per year and support more than 75,000 jobs. They also support industry, transportation, and tourism.
The Great Lakes face many threats, however, including habitat degradation, oil spills and other pollution, overfishing, and the spread of invasive species. The quality and quantity of fish habitat in the Great Lakes has declined for decades and continues to be a concern. Without the right habitat, fish cannot build their populations, and that means fewer—and less healthy—fish.
Projects selected through this funding opportunity will help sustain the multiple benefits these resources provide by:
- Supporting valuable fisheries and coastal resources
- Improving the quality of our water by restoring coastal wetlands
- Providing recreational opportunities for the public’s use and enjoyment
- Increasing the resilience of Great Lakes communities
NOAA will accept proposals with a federal funding request of between $300,000 and $30 million total over a 3-year award period from non-federal partners.
View the NOAA Great Lakes Fish Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants funding opportunity
The Office of Habitat Conservation’s NOAA Restoration Center works in the Great Lakes to support the ecosystems and economies that rely on these valuable international resources. Since 2010, we have supported 85 projects through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. These projects have restored more than 4,600 acres of habitat for fish and wildlife and opened up almost 500 miles of rivers and streams to fish migration.
