The Saltonstall-Kennedy Program began in 1954 when the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act was signed into law. It established a fund used by the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants and cooperative agreements for fisheries research and development projects addressing any aspect of U.S. fisheries including but not limited to harvesting, processing and marketing. This fund is delegated to NOAA Fisheries and Congress directs funding be used for activities related to marine fisheries research, promotion, development and marketing.
About the Program
The objective S-K Program, is to promote U.S. fisheries by assisting the fishing community to address marketing and research needs. The program facilitates this goal through the annual Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Competition. NOAA Fisheries awards grants in marine fishery projects through this grant competition ranging from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $500,000.
American Fisheries Advisory Committee
The American Fisheries Advisory Committee was established by the American Fisheries Advisory Committee Act in May 2022 to make recommendations for Saltonstall-Kennedy priorities and grant award funding.
Learn more about the American Fisheries Advisory Committee
Grant Competition
NOAA Fisheries seeks applications that demonstrate direct benefits to U.S. fisheries and meaningful participation of fishing communities. U.S. marine fisheries include any commercial fishery, recreational fishery, or aquaculture operation that is, or may be, engaged in by citizens or nationals of the United States or other eligible applicants. The competition is open to applicants from a variety of sectors, including individuals, industry, academia, and state and local governments. NOAA Fisheries seeks applications under the following three priorities:
- Priority 1: Promotion and Marketing
- Priority 2: Development, Infrastructure, and Capacity Building
- Priority 3: Science or Technology that Enhances Sustainable U.S. Fisheries
More information about the grant competition and the FY24 Notice of Funding Opportunity
Projects Spotlight
Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement
- Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PDF, 250 pages)
- Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Record Of Decision (PDF, 8 pages)
