Financial Assistance for Research and Development Projects to Provide Information for the Full and Wise Use and Enhancement of Fishery Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and off the U.S. South Atlantic Coastal States (MARFIN)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Docket No. 940682-4182; I.D. 050694M]

RIN 0648-ZAO8

Financial Assistance for Research and Development Projects to

Provide Information for the Full and Wise Use and Enhancement of

Fishery Resources in the Gulf of Mexico and off the U.S. South Atlantic

Coastal States (MARFIN)

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Subject to the availability of funds, NMFS issues this notice

describing funding to assist persons in carrying out research and

development projects that optimize the use of U.S. Gulf of Mexico and

South Atlantic (North Carolina to Florida) fisheries involving the U.S.

fishing industry (recreational and commercial), including fishery

biology, resource assessment, socio-economic assessment, management and

conservation, selected harvesting methods, and fish handling and

processing. NMFS issues this notice describing the conditions under

which applications will be accepted and how NMFS will determine which

applications will be selected for funding. Areas of this Marine

Fisheries Initiative (MARFIN) emphasis for FY 1995 were formulated from

recommendations received from non-Federal scientific and technical

experts, and NMFS research and operations officials.

DATES: Applications for funding under this program will be accepted

between July 27, 1994 and 5 p.m. eastern daylight time on September 26,

1994. Applications received after that time will not be considered for

funding. No facsimile applications will be accepted.

Applications may be inspected at the NMFS Southeast Regional Office

(see ADDRESSES) from September 30, 1994 through October 3, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Send applications to: Ellie Roche, Competitive Programs

Manager, Cooperative Programs Division, Southeast Regional Office,

National Marine Fisheries Service, 9721 Executive Center Drive, St.

Petersburg, FL 33702.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellie Roche, 813-893-3720.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Authority.

The Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) is authorized under 15 U.S.C.

713c-3(d) to enter into cooperative agreements for research and

development addressed to all aspects of U.S. fisheries.

II. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA).

This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic

Assistance under program number 11.433, Marine Fisheries Initiative.

III. Program Description.

MARFIN is a competitive Federal grant program that promotes and

endorses programs that seek to optimize economic and social benefits

from marine fishery resources through cooperative efforts that involve

the best research and management talents to accomplish priority

activities. Preference is given to selecting and funding applications

for project grants that provide an opportunity for cooperative NMFS/

applicant efforts and for multiple cooperating applicants/NMFS efforts

with up to 3-year time horizons. Projects funded under MARFIN are

focused into cooperative efforts that provide clear answers for fishery

needs covered by the NMFS Strategic Plan, available from the Southeast

Regional Office (see ADDRESSES), particularly those goals relating to

rebuilding overfished marine fisheries, maintaining currently

productive fisheries, and integrating conservation of protected species

and fisheries management.

Applications from multiple cooperating applicants that address

conservation and management needs over a wide range of a fishery or

fishery organism are encouraged. Emphasis will be placed upon funding

projects that have the greatest probability of recovering, maintaining,

improving, or developing fisheries; improving the understanding of

factors affecting recruitment success; and/or generating increased

values and recreational opportunities from fisheries. Projects will be

evaluated as to the likelihood of achieving these benefits through both

short-term and long-term research efforts, with consideration of the

magnitude of the eventual economic or social benefits that may be

realized. Short-term projects that may yield more immediate benefits,

and projects yielding longer-term benefits will receive equal

consideration.

IV. Funding Availability.

This solicitation announces that funding of approximately $1.25

million may be available in FY 1995 pending Congressional

appropriation. MARFIN financial assistance started in FY 1986, and for

FY 1986 through FY 1994, awards totaled about $15.5 million for

financial assistance to conduct research for fishery resources in the

Gulf of Mexico and off the South Atlantic states of North Carolina,

South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. There is no guarantee that

sufficient funds will be available to make awards for all approved

projects.

Project proposals accepted for funding for a project period over 1

year that include multiple project components or severable tasks to be

funded each budget period will not compete for funding in subsequent

budget periods within the approved project period. However, funding for

subsequent project components is contingent upon the availability of

funds from Congress and satisfactory performance, and will be at the

sole discretion of the agency. Publication of this notice does not

obligate NMFS to award any specific cooperative agreement or to

obligate all or any parts of the available funds.

V. Matching Requirements.

Applications must reflect the total budget necessary to accomplish

the project, including contributions and/or donations. Cost-sharing is

not required for the MARFIN program. However, cost-sharing is

encouraged, and in case of a tie in considering proposals for funding,

cost-sharing may affect the final decision. The appropriateness of all

cost-sharing will be determined on the basis of guidance provided in

applicable Federal cost principles. If an applicant chooses to cost-

share, and if that application is selected for funding, the applicant

will be bound by the percentage of the cost share reflected in the

cooperative agreement award.

The non-Federal share may include funds received from private

sources or from state or local governments, or the value of in-kind

contributions by the applicant or third parties. Federal funds may not

be used to meet the non-Federal share of matching funds, except as

provided by Federal statute. In-kind contributions may be in the form

of, but are not limited to, personal services rendered in carrying out

functions related to the project, and use of real or personal property

owned by others (for which consideration is not required) in carrying

out the projects.

The total cost of a project begins on the effective date of a

cooperative agreement between the applicant and the NOAA Grants Officer

and ends on the date specified in the award. Accordingly, time expended

and costs incurred in either the development of a project or the

financial assistance application, or in any subsequent discussions or

negotiations prior to the award, are neither reimbursable nor

recognizable as part of the recipient's cost share.

VI. Type of Funding Instrument.

The cooperative agreement has been determined to be the appropriate

funding instrument. NMFS is substantially involved in developing

program research priorities, conducting cooperative activities with

recipients, and evaluating the performance of recipients for

effectiveness in meeting national and regional goals for fishery

research in the southeastern United States.

VII. Eligibility Criteria.

1. Applications for cooperative agreements for MARFIN projects may

be made, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this notice,

by:

a. Any individual who is a citizen or national of the United

States;

b. Any corporation, partnership, or other entity, non-profit or

otherwise, if such entity is a citizen of the United States within the

meaning of section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916, as amended (46 app.

U.S.C. 802).

c. Colleges and universities, and game and fish departments of the

several states.

2. NOAA employees, including full-time, part-time, and intermittent

personnel (or their immediate families), and NOAA offices or centers

are not eligible to submit an application under this solicitation, or

aid in the preparation of an application during the 60-day solicitation

period, except to provide information about the MARFIN program and the

priorities and procedures included in this solicitation. However, NOAA

employees are permitted to provide information about ongoing and

planned NOAA programs and activities that may have implication for an

application. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Ms. Ellie

Roche at the NMFS Southeast Regional Office (see ADDRESSES) for

information on NOAA programs. Documents available from that office that

may be useful to the applicant include:

a. A Cooperative Reef Fish Research Program for the Gulf of Mexico.

b. A Cooperative Bycatch Research Plan for the Southeast Region.

c. Strategic Plan of the National Marine Fisheries Service.

d. National Status of Stocks Report.

e. Various fishery management plans and plan amendments produced by

the Councils and the Commissions.

f. Report of a Workshop on Grouper Reproduction, November 1993.

VIII. Award Period.

The award period for the project may be made for more than one year

consisting of one, two, or three budget periods which correspond to the

funding for the proposed project components. The award period will

depend upon the duration of funding requested by the applicant in the

Application for Federal Assistance, the decision of the NMFS selecting

official on the amount of funding, the results of post-selection

negotiations between the applicant and NOAA officials, and preaward

review of the application by NOAA and Department of Commerce (DOC)

officials. Normally, each project budget period may be no more than 18

months in duration. NOAA policy limits the total duration of a project

to about 3 years.

IX. Indirect Costs.

The total dollar amount of the indirect costs proposed in an

application under this program must not exceed the indirect cost rate

negotiated and approved by a cognizant Federal agency prior to the

proposed effective date of the award, or 25 percent of the total

proposed direct costs dollar amount in the application, whichever is

less. Institutions with indirect cost rates above 25 percent may use

the amount above the 25-percent level as part of the non-Federal share.

A copy of the current, approved, negotiated Indirect Cost Agreement

with the Federal government must be included with the application.

X. Profit or Fees.

Profit or management fees paid to for-profit or commercial

organization grantees are allowable at the discretion of NOAA. However,

they shall not exceed 7 percent of the total estimated direct costs.

There must be no profit or fees to the recipient in any overhead

charge. Payment of fees or profit is based on successful completion of

project objectives.

XI. Application Forms and Kit.

Before submitting an application under this program, applicants

should contact the NMFS Southeast Regional Office for a copy of this

solicitation's MARFIN Application Package (see ADDRESSES).

Applications for project funding under this program must be

complete and be in accordance with instructions in the MARFIN

Application Package. They must identify the principal participants and

include copies of any agreements describing the specific tasks to be

performed by participants. Project applications should give a clear

presentation of the proposed work, the methods for carrying out the

project, its relevance to managing and enhancing the use of Gulf of

Mexico and/or South Atlantic fishery resources, and cost estimates as

they relate to specific aspects of the project. Budgets must include a

detailed breakdown, by category of expenditures, with appropriate

justification for both the Federal and non-Federal shares. Applicants

should not assume prior knowledge on the part of NMFS as to the

relative merits of the project described in the application.

Applications are not to be bound in any manner and should be one-sided.

All incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant. Three

copies (one original and two copies) of each application are required,

and should be submitted to the NMFS Southeast Regional Office,

Cooperative Programs Division (see ADDRESSES).

XII. Project Funding Priorities.

A. Proposals for FY 1995 should exhibit familiarity with related

work that is completed or ongoing. Where appropriate, proposals should

be multidisciplinary. Coordinated efforts involving multiple

institutions or persons are encouraged. The areas of special emphasis

are listed below, but proposals in other areas will be considered on a

funds-available basis.

In addition to referencing specific area(s) of special interest as

listed below, proposals should state whether the research will apply to

the Gulf of Mexico only, the South Atlantic only, or to both areas.

Successful applicants may be required to collect and manage data in

accordance with standardized procedures and formats approved by NMFS,

and to participate with NMFS in specific cooperative activities that

will be determined by consultations between NMFS and successful

applicants before project grants are awarded. Recipients of financial

assistance for projects with multiple project periods must include

funding in their applications for travel expenses for the principal

investigator to participate in one annual project review and evaluation

meeting in St. Petersburg, FL. All recipients of financial assistance

under this program shall include funding in their applications for the

principal investigator to participate in an annual MARFIN Conference at

the completion of the project.

Research needs identified in fishery management plans (FMPs) and

amendments prepared by the Gulf and South Atlantic Fishery Management

Councils (Councils) and the Gulf and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries

Commissions (Commissions) are included. For availability of these

documents, contact the NMFS Southeast Regional Office (see ADDRESSES).

Areas of special emphasis for FY 1995 include:

1. Shrimp Trawler Bycatch.

Studies are needed to contribute to the regional shrimp trawler

bycatch program being conducted by NMFS in cooperation with state

fishery management agencies, commercial and recreational fishing

organizations and interests, environmental organizations, universities,

Councils, and Commissions. Specific guidance and research requirements

are contained in the Regional Bycatch Plan prepared through the Gulf

and South Atlantic Fisheries Development Foundation. In particular, the

studies should address:

a. Data collection and analyses to expand and update current

bycatch estimates temporally and spatially from offshore, nearshore,

and inshore waters, emphasizing areas of greatest shrimping impact.

Sampling effort should include estimates of numbers, weight, and age

structure of the associated bycatch complex.

b. Assessments of the status and condition of fish stocks

significantly impacted by shrimp trawler bycatch, with emphasis given

to overfished species under the jurisdiction of the Councils.

c. Identification, development, and evaluation of gear, non- gear

and tactical fishing options to reduce bycatch.

d. Improved methods for communicating with and improving technology

and information transfer to the shrimp industry.

e. Social and economic impacts of management options to reduce

shrimp fishery bycatch.

2. Highly Migratory Pelagic Fisheries.

a. Longline Fisheries, Including Bycatch.

A number of pelagic longline fisheries exist in the Gulf and South

Atlantic, targeting highly migratory species such as tunas, some

sharks, and swordfish. These fisheries have evolved rapidly over the

last decade, with increases in fishing effort and changes in fishing

gear and tactics. These changes need to be characterized and their

effects quantified. High priority areas include:

(1) Characterization of specific longline fisheries, including

targeted species, stock identification, catch-per-unit-effort of

bycatch, and biological parameters (e.g., sex ratios and reproductive

state) by gear type, area and season.

(2) Evaluation of vessel log data for monitoring the fisheries.

(3) Development and evaluation of gear and fishing tactics to

minimize bycatch of undersized and unwanted species, including sea

turtles and marine mammals.

(4) Assessment of the impact of longline bycatch on related

fisheries, including biological, social, and economic factors and

effects.

(5) Dependence of vessels and persons engaged in pelagic longlining

on other fisheries. Particular emphasis should be placed on the extent

to which the capital and/or labor engages in other fisheries at

particular times of the year and reasons for this switching behavior.

b. Sharks.

A Secretarial FMP for sharks has been developed that identifies a

number of research needs, including:

(1) Characterization of the commercial and recreational fisheries

from historical and current databases. Emphasis should be on species

composition, bycatch, stock identification, size, sex ratios and catch-

per-unit-effort by season, area, and gear type.

(2) Collection and analysis of basic biological data on movements,

habitats, growth rates, mortality rates, age structure and reproduction

parameters. These data are of particular importance for blacktip and

sandbar sharks. Information on the relationship of sandbar sharks to

water depth and determination of the southern boundary of its range are

specifically needed.

(3) Determination of baseline cost and returns for commercial

fisheries that land sharks, and estimation of demand curves for shark

products and recreational shark fisheries.

(4) Development of species profiles and stock assessments for

sharks taken in significant quantities by commercial and recreational

fishers, and as bycatch in other fisheries. Assessments can be species-

specific or for species groups, following those identified in the

Atlantic Sharks FMP.

(5) Identification of coastal sharks, using laboratory

methodologies.

(6) Development of a more precise and accurate estimate of the

recreational shark fishery. Proposals in this area must demonstrate a

knowledge of the Marine Recreational Fishery Statistical Survey

(MRFSS), and should indicate a willingness to participate directly in

the MRFSS through add-on surveys or enhancement of current surveys.

(7) Development of fishery-independent abundance indices.

3. Reef Fish.

A number of species within the reef fish complex are showing signs

of being overfished, either by directed efforts or as bycatch in other

fisheries. The ecology of reef fish makes them vulnerable to

overfishing because they tend to concentrate over specific types of

habitats with patchy distribution. This behavior pattern can make

traditional fishery statistics misleading. Priority research areas

include:

a. Collection of basic biological data for species in commercially

and recreationally important fisheries.

(1) Age and growth of reef fish.

(a) Description of age and growth patterns (especially red snapper,

gray triggerfish and red porgy in the Gulf of Mexico and greater

amberjack in the Gulf and South Atlantic).

(b) Development of annual age-length keys for vermilion snapper in

the northern Gulf and west coast central Florida, and for red grouper

in the Gulf, along with new growth models for red grouper that include

possible density-dependent effects, as well as environmental effects.

(2) Reproduction studies of reef fish.

(a) Maturity schedules and fecundity of commercially and

recreationally important reef fish (especially gray triggerfish and red

porgy in the Gulf of Mexico).

(b) Detailed histological studies of red snapper to characterize

the actual reproductive contribution of females, by age.

(c) Identification and characterization of spawning aggregations by

species, areas, and seasons. Information is especially needed on

changes in sex ratios for gag grouper caused by fishing on spawning

aggregations.

(d) Reproductive studies covering extensive geographic

distributions along the southeastern U.S. coast (North Carolina through

the Florida Keys). Samples should be obtained from recreational

(private and headboats) and commercial vessels.

(e) Reproductive biology of gag, red grouper and other grouper

species. Of particular importance are evaluation of sperm limitation,

determination of the proximal causes of sex change (whether behavioral

or developmental), determination of the annual periodicity of sex-

change induction and age-specific spawning frequency, and other

research identified in the recommendations of the workshop on grouper

reproduction held in Panama City, FL, in November 1993.

(3) Recruitment of reef fish.

(a) Source of recruitment in Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic

waters (especially amberjack and vermilion snapper), and possible

Caribbean source for Florida Keys snapper and grouper.

(b) Annual estimation of the absolute or relative recruitment of

juvenile gag to the seagrass beds off the west coast of Florida and to

similar estuarine nursery habitats along the South Atlantic Bight;

development of an index of juvenile gag recruitment for the South

Atlantic based on historical databases and/or field studies.

(c) Evaluation of the contribution of live-bottom habitat to reef

fish recruitment

(4) Stock structure of reef fish.

(a) Movement and migration patterns of commercially and

recreationally valuable reef fish species (especially gag and greater

amberjack in the South Atlantic).

(b) Techniques to allow field separation of lesser amberjack,

almaco jack, and banded rudderfish from greater amberjack to facilitate

accurate reporting of catch.

(c) Stock structure of gag and wreckfish in the South Atlantic, and

greater amberjack in the Gulf and South Atlantic.

(d) Use of parasitological surveys in species such as wreckfish and

white grunt to determine stock structure.

b. Behavioral studies of reef fish.

(1) Description of the behavior of age-0 and age-1 red snapper.

(2) Effects of fishing on reproductive behavior, in formation of

aggregations and disruption of existing aggregations.

c. Population assessment of reef fish.

(1) Effect of reproductive mode and sex change (protogynous

hermaphroditism) on population size and characteristics, with reference

to sizes of fish exploited in the fisheries and the significance to

proper management.

(2) Design of sampling routines to provide a production-style aging

program representative of the reef fish fishery. Effective dock-side

sampling programs, especially for groupers, are needed over a wide

geographic range to collect information on reproductive state, size,

age, and sex. These research needs are discussed in the report of the

workshop on grouper reproduction held in Panama City, FL, in November

1993.

(3) Source and quantification of natural and human-induced

mortalities.

(4) Determination of the habitat and limiting factors for important

reef fish resources (such as snappers in the Gulf of Mexico).

Information is also needed on the importance of human-created and

natural channels for controlling stock sizes and growth rates of

snappers and groupers.

(5) Description of habitat and fish populations in the deep reef

community and the prey distributions supporting the community.

(6) Evaluation of the effect of misidentifying gag as black grouper

on landing statistics and stock assessments.

(7) Development of statistically valid indices of abundance for

important reef fish species in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico

(especially red grouper), including spatial and temporal variations in

size distribution.

(8) Assessment of tag performance on reef fish species, mainly

snappers and groupers. Characteristics examined should include shedding

rate, effects on growth and survival, and effects of these

characteristics on estimations of vital population parameters.

(9) Stock assessments to establish the status of major recreational

and commercial species. Innovative methods are needed for stock

assessments of aggregate species, including the effect of fishing on

genetic structure and the incorporation of sex change for protogynous

hermaphrodites into stock assessment models.

(10) Fishery-independent assessments of spawning aggregations of

gag, scamp, yellowedge and other groupers, using hydroacoustic and

underwater video technology.

d. Management of reef fish.

(1) Research in direct support of management, including catch-and-

release mortalities by gear and depth, the value of limiting longlines

to specific water depths (e.g., outside the 50-fathom (91.4-m) curve),

and modifications (gear, techniques) to minimize bycatch.

(2) Evaluation of the use of reef fish marine reserves as an

alternative or supplement to current fishery management measures and

practices, especially in the South Atlantic. Of particular interest is

Oculina Banks off the Atlantic Coast of Florida.

(3) Characterization and evaluation of the social and economic

behavior of commercial and recreational fishermen, and how these

characteristics change in response to management measures.

(4) Characterization and quantification of the biological,

economic, and social impacts of the longline fishery for reef fish

along the west coast of Florida. This should include the following:

(a) Catch-per-unit-effort of target and bycatch species, and

biological parameters (e.g., size, sex, and reproductive state) by gear

type, area, and season.

(b) Evaluation of vessel log data for monitoring the fishery.

(c) Development and evaluation of gear and fishing tactics to

minimize the bycatch of undersized and unwanted species, including sea

turtles and marine mammals.

(d) Assessment of the impact of longline bycatch on related

fisheries.

4. Coastal Herrings.

Preliminary studies indicate that substantial stocks of coastal

herrings occur in the Gulf and South Atlantic. Most of the available

data are generated from fishery-independent surveys conducted by NMFS

and state fishery management agencies. Because of the size of these

stocks, their importance as prey, and in some instances as predator

species, their potential for development as commercial and recreational

fisheries must be understood. General research needs include:

a. Collection, collation, and analysis of available fishery-

independent and fishery-dependent data from state and Federal surveys,

with emphasis on species and size composition, seasonal distribution

patterns, biomass, bycatch, and environmental relationships. Emphasis

should be given to species such as Spanish sardine that are important

as prey to gamefish.

b. Description and quantification of predator-prey relationships

between coastal herring species and carnivores such as mackerels,

tunas, swordfish, billfish, sharks, bluefish, and others in high demand

by commercial and recreational fisheries.

c. Design of innovative economic and social management approaches

for the purse seine menhaden fishery, including, but not limited to,

limited entry.

5. Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fisheries.

The commercial and recreational demand for migratory coastal

pelagics has led to overfishing for certain species, including king and

Spanish mackerel. Additionally, some are transboundary with Mexico and

other countries and ultimately will demand international management

attention. Current high priorities include:

a. Recruitment indices for king and Spanish mackerel, cobia,

dolphin, and bluefish, primarily from fishery-independent data sources.

b. Assessment and management models for coastal pelagic resources

that are dominated by single year classes, such as Spanish mackerel,

dolphin, and bluefish.

c. Fishery-independent methods of assessing stock abundance of king

and Spanish mackerel.

d. Improved catch statistics for all species in Mexican waters,

with special emphasis on king mackerel; needed especially is length-

frequency, life history and genetic information.

e. Information on populations of coastal pelagics overwintering off

North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, especially population

size, age and movement patterns.

f. Basic biostatistical information on cobia and dolphin to develop

age-length keys and maturation schedules for stock assessments.

g. Impact of bag limits on total catch and landings of king and

Spanish mackerel.

h. Demand and supply functions for recreational and commercial

fisheries for king mackerel in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.

Emphasis should be on changes in marginal values of producer and

consumer surpluses, since the studies would be used in allocation

frameworks where total values are not necessarily required.

6. Groundfish and Estuarine Fishes

Substantial stocks of groundfish and estuarine species occur in the

Gulf and South Atlantic. Most of the database for assessments comes

from studies conducted by NMFS and state fishery management agencies.

Because of the historic and current size of these fish stocks, their

importance as predator and prey species, and their current or potential

use as commercial and recreational fisheries, more information on their

biology and conservation is needed. General research needs are:

a. Red drum.

(1) Effects of sportfishing on red drum populations in the Gulf of

Mexico and South Atlantic. A specific need in the South Atlantic is

increased sampling of nighttime fishing for red drum on the Outer Banks

of North Carolina.

(2) Size and age-structure of the offshore adult red drum stock in

the Gulf of Mexico.

(3) Immigration and escapement of red drum from state waters into

the Exclusive Economic Zone in the Gulf of Mexico and the South

Atlantic.

(4) Life history parameters and stock structure for the Gulf of

Mexico and the South Atlantic. Research should include migratory

patterns, long-term changes in abundance, growth rates and age

structure, and comparisons of the inshore and offshore components of

recreational and/or commercial fisheries. Specific research needs for

Atlantic red drum are fecundity estimates, as a function of length and

weight, and improved coastwide coverage for age-length keys.

(5) Catch-and-release mortality rates from inshore and nearshore

waters, and fishing mortality rates in state territorial waters of the

Gulf of Mexico.

b. Life history and stock structure for weakfish, menhaden, spot

and croaker in the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic. Research

should include migratory patterns, long-term changes in abundance,

growth rates and age structure, and comparisons of the inshore and

offshore components of recreational and/or commercial fisheries.

c. Improved catch and effort statistics from recreational and

commercial fisheries, including size and age structure of the catch, to

develop production models.

d. Quantification and qualification of the bycatch in finfish trawl

fisheries, such as the flounder and fly-net fisheries in the South

Atlantic.

e. Determination of catch-and-release mortality rates for spotted

seatrout from inshore and nearshore waters.

7. Crabs and Lobsters.

a. Monitoring of fecundity and sex/size frequencies for examination

of spawning potential in relation to overfishing criteria for stone

crab and spiny lobster.

b. Development of recruitment indices, and population assessment

and management models for stone crab and spiny lobster.

c. Determination of the relationship between the reproductive cycle

characteristics of spiny lobster in Florida and the Caribbean.

8. Sea Turtle Conservation.

The conservation of endangered and threatened sea turtles in the

Southeast Region continues to be a high priority. Specific needs

include:

a. Distribution, abundance and size composition of sea turtles in

inshore waters, especially where these turtles may be affected by

inshore fisheries.

b. Turtle excluder device (TED) modifications or designs to exclude

adult leatherback sea turtles. The area of special concern is off South

Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

c. TED designs and modifications for use in small inshore shrimp

trawls. Especially needed is research on shrimp retention and on the

effectiveness of TEDs operating in areas with debris.

d. Sea turtle incidental catch in fisheries other than the shrimp

fishery.

e. Evaluation of the utility of turtle stranding data as an

indication of fishery-caused mortality.

9. General.

There are many areas of research that need to be addressed for

improved understanding and management of fishery resources. These

include methods for data collection, management, analysis, and for

better conservation. Examples of high priority research needs include:

a. Design and critical analysis of a data collection system that

may involve permits, logbooks, trip interviews, dealer reporting or

other innovative methods. The system design should be applicable across

the entire range of species that may be pursued throughout the Gulf and

South Atlantic, and should address economic, biological and social data

needs.

b. Assessment of the changes in recreational and commercial values

that have resulted from past management practices for red drum, shrimp,

mackerels and reef fish.

c. Development of improved methods and procedures for technology

transfer, and education of constituency groups on fishery management

and conservation programs. Of special importance are programs concerned

with controlled access and introduction of conservation gear.

d. Compilation of baseline socio-demographic data for describing

the social and cultural framework of managed fisheries. B. Priority in

program emphasis will be placed upon funding projects that have the

greatest probability of recovering, maintaining, improving, or

developing fisheries; improving the understanding of factors affecting

recruitment success; and generating increased values and recreational

opportunities from fisheries. Projects will be evaluated as to the

likelihood of achieving these benefits through short- and long-term

research efforts, with consideration given to the magnitude of the

eventual economic benefits that may be realized.

C. Further information on current Federal programs that address the

above-listed priorities may be obtained from the NMFS Southeast

Regional Office (see ADDRESSES).

XIII. Evaluation Criteria.

Successful applicants generally will be recommended within 210 days

from the date of publication of this notice. The earliest start date of

awards will be about 90 days after each project is selected and after

all NMFS/applicant negotiations of cooperative activities have been

completed (The earliest start date of awards will be about 300 days

after the date of publication of this notice). Applicants should

consider this selection and processing time in developing requested

start dates for their applications. Proposed projects will be evaluated

and ranked as follows:

1. Cooperatively developed applications that propose activities of

two or more qualified applicants to address important fishery

conservation and management issues or problems identified in the Areas

of Emphasis for this solicitation may be evaluated as a group by NMFS.

If selected for funding, individual cooperative awards may be made to

each individual applicant. Application procedures for this type of

proposal are also included in the FY 1995 MARFIN Application Package.

2. Unless otherwise specified by statute, in reviewing applications

for cooperative agreements, including those that include consultants

and contracts, NOAA will make a determination regarding the following:

a. Is the involvement of the applicant necessary to the conduct of

the project and the accomplishment of its goals and objectives?

b. Is the proposed allocation of the applicant's time reasonable

and commensurate with the applicant's involvement in the project?

c. Are the proposed costs for the applicant's involvement in the

project reasonable and commensurate with the benefits to be derived

from the applicant's participation?

d. Is the project proposal substantial in character and design?

3. Applications meeting the above requirements will be forwarded

for technical evaluation. Applicants submitting applications not

meeting the above requirements will be notified. Evaluations normally

will involve experts from non-NOAA, as well as NOAA organizations. All

comments submitted to NMFS will be taken into consideration in the

technical evaluation of projects. NMFS will provide point scores on

proposals, based on the following evaluation criteria:

a. Does the proposal have a clearly stated goal(s) with associated

objectives that meet the needs outlined in the Project Narrative? (30

points)

b. Does the proposal clearly identify and describe, in the Project

Outline and Statement of Work, scientifically valid methodologies and

analytical procedures that will adequately address project goals and

objectives? (30 points)

c. Do the principal investigators provide a scientifically

realistic timetable to enable full accomplishment of all aspects of the

Statements of Work? (20 points)

d. Do the principal investigators define how they will maintain

stewardship of the project performance, finances, cooperative

relationships and reporting requirements for the proposal? (10 points)

e. Are the proposed costs appropriate for the scope of work

proposed? (10 points)

XIV. Selection Procedures.

All applications will be ranked by a NMFS scientific panel into two

groups: (a) Recommended, and (b) Not Recommended. Proposals ranked as

Not Recommended will not be given further consideration for selection

and funding. All rankings will be presented to a panel of non-NOAA

fishery experts, who will individually consider the significance of the

problem addressed in each project proposal, the technical evaluation,

and need for funding. These panel members will provide individual

recommendations to NMFS on each proposal classified as Recommended or

Not Recommended.

The non-NOAA panel members' individual comments, recommendations

and evaluations, and recommendations of the NMFS scientific panel and

NMFS Southeast Program Officer will be considered by the Director,

Southeast Region, NMFS (Regional Director). The Regional Director, in

consultation with the NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, will:

(a) Determine which projects do not substantially duplicate other

projects that are currently funded by NOAA or are approved for funding

by other Federal offices, and recommend the projects to be funded. The

exact amount of funds awarded, the final scope of activities, the

project duration, and specific NMFS cooperative involvement with the

activities of each project will be determined in pre-award negotiations

between the applicant, the NOAA Grants Office, and the NMFS Program

Staff. Projects must not be initiated by recipients until a signed

award is received from the NOAA Grants Office. For project periods of

more than 1 year, funds for subsequent budget periods may be provided

if initial project tasks are satisfactorily completed and after NMFS

has received MARFIN funds for subsequent periods.

NMFS will make project applications available for review as

follows:

A. Public Review and Comment Applications may be inspected at the

NMFS Southeast Regional Office (see ADDRESSES and DATES).

B. Consultation with Members of the Fishing Industry, Management

Agencies, Environmental Organizations, and Academic Institutions NMFS

shall, at its discretion, request comments from members of the fishing

and associated industries, groups, organizations and institutions who

have knowledge in the subject matter of a project or who would be

affected by a project.

C. Consultation with Government Agencies Applications will be

reviewed by the NMFS Southeast Region Program Office in consultation

with the NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center and Southeast

Operations Directors, including appropriate operations and laboratory

personnel, the NOAA Grants Officer and, as appropriate, DOC bureaus and

other Federal agencies.

XV. Other Requirements.

A. Federal Policies and Procedures. Recipients and subrecipients

are subject to all Federal laws and Federal and DOC policies,

regulations, and procedures applicable to Federal financial assistance

awards. Women and minority individuals and groups are encouraged to

submit applications under this program.

B. Past Performance. Any first-time applicant for Federal grant

funds is subject to a pre-award accounting survey prior to execution of

the award. Unsatisfactory performance under prior Federal awards may

result in an application not being considered for funding.

C. Preaward Activities. If applicants incur any costs prior to an

award being made, they do so solely at their own risk of not being

reimbursed by the government. Notwithstanding any verbal or written

assurance that they may have received, there is no obligation on the

part of DOC to cover preaward costs.

D. No Obligation of Future Funding. If an application is selected

for funding, DOC has no obligation to provide any additional future

funding in connection with the award. Renewal of an award to increase

funding or extend the period of performance is at the total discretion

of DOC.

E. Delinquent Federal Debts. No award of Federal funds shall be

made to an applicant who has any outstanding delinquent Federal debt

until either:

1. The delinquent account is paid in full;

2. A negotiated repayment schedule is established and at least one

payment is received; or

3. Other arrangements satisfactory to DOC are made.

F. Name Check Review. All non-profit and for-profit applicants are

subject to a name check review process. Name checks are intended to

reveal if any key individuals associated with the applicant have been

convicted of or are presently facing, criminal charges such as fraud,

theft, perjury, or other matters that significantly reflect on the

applicant's management honesty or financial integrity. Potential non-

profit and for-profit recipients may also be subject to reviews of Dun

and Bradstreet data or other similar credit checks.

G. Primary Applicant Certifications. All primary applicants must

submit a completed Form CD-511, ``Certifications Regarding Debarment,

Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace

Requirements and Lobbying,'' and the following explanations are hereby

provided:

1. Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension. Prospective

participants (as defined at 15 CFR 26.105) are subject to 15 CFR part

26, ``Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension'' and the related section

of the certification form prescribed above applies;

2. Drug-Free Workplace. Grantees (as defined at 15 CFR part 26,

Section 605) are subject to 15 CFR part 26, Subpart F, ``Governmentwide

Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants)'' and the related section

of the certification form prescribed above applies;

3. Anti-Lobbying. Persons (as defined at 15 CFR Part 28, Section

105) are subject to the lobbying provisions of 31 U.S.C. 1352,

``Limitation on use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal

contracting and financial transactions,'' and the lobbying section of

the certification form prescribed above applies to applications/bids

for grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for more than

$100,000, and loans and loan guarantees for more than $150,000, or the

single family maximum mortgage limit for affected programs, whichever

is greater; and

4. Anti-Lobbying Disclosures. Any applicant that has paid or will

pay for lobbying using any funds must submit a Form SL-LLL,

``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' as required under 15 CFR part

28, appendix B.

H. Lower Tier Certifications. Recipients shall require applicants/

bidders for subgrants, contracts, subcontracts, or other lower tier

covered transactions at any tier under the award to submit, if

applicable, a completed Form CD-512, ``Certifications Regarding

Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier

Covered Transactions and Lobbying'' and disclosure form, SF-LLL,

``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.'' Form CD-512 is intended for the

use of recipients and should not be transmitted to DOC. SF-LLL

submitted by any tier recipient or subrecipient should be submitted to

DOC in accordance with the instructions contained in the award

document.

I. False Statements. A false statement on the application is

grounds for denial or termination of funds and grounds for possible

punishment by a fine or imprisonment as provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001.

J. Intergovernmental Review. Applications under this program are

subject to the provisions of E.O. 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of

Federal Programs''.

K. Requirement to Buy American-Made Equipment and Products.

Applicants are hereby notified that they are encouraged, to the extent

feasible, to purchase American-made equipment and products with funding

provided under this program in accordance with Congressional intent as

set forth in the resolution contained in Pub. L. 103-121, Sections

606(a) and (b).

Classification

Prior notice and an opportunity for public comments are not

required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for

this notice concerning grants, benefits, and contracts. Therefore,

a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required for purposes of the

Regulatory Flexibility Act.

This action has been determined to be not significant for purposes

of E.O. 12866.

Cooperative agreements awarded pursuant to pertinent statutes shall

be in accordance with the Fisheries Research Plan (comprehensive

program of fisheries research) in effect on the date of the award.

Federal participation under the MARFIN Program may include the

assignment of DOC scientific personnel and equipment.

Reasonable, negotiated financial compensation will be provided

under awards for the work of eligible grantee workers.

Information-collection requirements contained in this notice have

been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Clearance No.

0648-0175) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. Public

reporting burden for agency-specific collection-of-information

elements, exclusive of requirements

specified under applicable OMB circulars, is estimated to average 4

hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,

searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data

needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 713c-3(d)

Dated: July 21, 1994.

Nancy Foster, Ph.D.,

Deputy Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries

Service.

[FR Doc. 94-18232 Filed 7-26-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-22-F