The principal objective of the Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants solicitation is to support the recovery of the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon. Proposals submitted under this solicitation will be evaluated based on alignment with program priorities, including: 1) consistency with priority habitat restoration actions identified in the 2019 “Recovery Plan for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)” and the “Species in the Spotlight Priority Actions: 2021-2025” 5-year action plan for Atlantic salmon; 2) improvement of fish passage and connectivity between the Gulf of Maine and freshwater spawning and rearing habitats within designated Critical Habitat, in locations with river-specific stocks or within a river that hosts a wild or naturally reared run of Atlantic salmon; 3) incorporation of proven restoration techniques, focusing on removal of barriers as the highest priority. Proposals may include the following types of activities: feasibility studies; planning and assessments directly linked to restoration implementation; engineering design and permitting; on-the-ground implementation; pre- and post-removal implementation monitoring; stakeholder engagement, or a combination thereof. The principal objective of the Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants solicitation is to support the recovery of the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon. Proposals submitted under this solicitation will be evaluated based on alignment with program priorities, including: 1) consistency with priority habitat restoration actions identified in the 2019 “Recovery Plan for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)” and the “Species in the Spotlight Priority Actions: 2021-2025” 5-year action plan for Atlantic salmon; 2) improvement of fish passage and connectivity between the Gulf of Maine and freshwater spawning and rearing habitats within designated Critical Habitat, in locations with river-specific stocks or within a river that hosts a wild or naturally reared run of Atlantic salmon; 3) incorporation of proven restoration techniques, focusing on removal of barriers as the highest priority. Proposals may include the following types of activities: feasibility studies; planning and assessments directly linked to restoration implementation; engineering design and permitting; on-the-ground implementation; pre- and post-removal implementation monitoring; stakeholder engagement, or a combination thereof.

Proposals selected through this solicitation may be funded through multi-year cooperative agreements. NOAA anticipates typical federal funding for awards will range from $100,000 to $700,000 over three years. NOAA will not accept proposals with a federal funding request of less than $100,000 or more than $1.5 million total over three years. NOAA anticipates up to $700,000 will be available under this solicitation in FY24 to support the first year of selected projects. Funds will be administered by the Community-based Restoration Program within the NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation. Awards are dependent upon the amount of funds Congress makes available to NOAA in the FY24 - FY26 budgets.