SEANET Research Intensive Farm Mini Grant Guidance
Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture Network
Research Intensive Farm Mini Grant Guidance
This grant opportunity is currently closed.
Background: The SEANET program invites proposals for Research Intensive Farms that will result in engagement of existing or new aquaculture facilities for conducting research projects, monitoring activities, or educational programs that complement the research portfolio of the SEANET research program and contribute to the performance metrics of the SEANET/EPSCoR program and the National Science Foundation. At least one of these facilities will be located in each of the six identified SEANET study areas (Casco Bay, Jonesport, Cobscook Bay, Bagaduce River, Saco River, and Damariscotta River) and four more can be located anywhere along the Maine Coast. Applicants should discuss their idea with the SEANET Research Coordinator, Meggan Dwyer.
- Available funds: SEANET anticipates funding for ten Research Intensive Farms at a level of $8,400 each.
- Allowable Costs: Funds may be used for materials & supplies and equipment needed to conduct on-site field studies, reasonable personnel costs, monitoring activities, or educational programs. Costs NOT allowed under this program include: capital equipment (>$5000), International Travel and indirect costs. Applicants should discuss their needs and this opportunity with SEANET staff to explore whether a student intern can be assigned to the project.
- Eligible Parties: Any member of the marine aquaculture industry working in partnership with SEANET researchers. The industry member must have current and unfettered access to an approved aquaculture lease site or land-based aquaculture support facility such as a hatchery or processing facility. Situations involving a pending lease application approval will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Data Management Expectations: All SEANET-funded data will be housed in a common repository at the University of Maine and will be shared in a timely manner with SEANET and the public. Investigators are expected to provide a Data Management Plan that will articulate a process for data sharing and data management. It is understood that some scientific investigations may result in primary data that must first be utilized by the investigators prior to sharing with the greater science community and the public. The Data Management Plan must provide this level of detail and justification. Assistance with this plan is available through the Advanced Computing Group at University of Maine through Ami Gaspar.
- Reporting: Results of the research project will be reported to the SEANET Office within 30 days of completion of the project using a template provided by SEANET. Investigators may be asked to provide input for and/or participate in periodic internal and external program reviews and annual reporting efforts.
- Review Criteria:
- Relevance of proposed activities to the SEANET Strategic Plan – 20%
- Intellectual Merit – 20%
- Status and location of the facility – 15%
- Affiliation with a SEANET researcher – 10%
- Experience and willingness of the industry partner to participate in collaborative research for the duration of the SEANET project – 15%
- Reasonable and efficient budget – 10%
- Degree to which the project leverages other resources including vessel support and transportation of SEANET related personnel – 10%