Fisher-Led Aquatic Trash Prevention and Abatement in Urban and Inland Disadvantaged Communities

Background
The Gulf of Mexico Division (GMD) is a non-regulatory division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that aims to facilitate collaborative actions to protect, maintain, and restore the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico while ensuring the economic well-being of the region.

This funding opportunity invites eligible entities to partner with commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishers in the five Gulf states to develop community-engaged initiatives aimed at removing, reducing, and preventing trash in waterways frequented by these fishers.

Grant Details
The funding opportunity seeks applications from eligible entities to partner with fishers in disadvantaged communities around inland waters, including urban, peri-urban, and rural areas.

The projects should focus on developing fisher-led trash prevention and removal programs that include:
- Engaging fishers to identify trash hot spots;
- Educating community members about trash prevention;
- Conducting volunteer cleanups;
- Incentivizing fisher participation through support costs.

Applicants must demonstrate how they will work with fishers across multiple locations within one Gulf state.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include governmental entities (state agencies, interstate agencies, Indian tribes, local governments), institutions of higher learning, and nonprofit organizations. For-profit organizations are not eligible.

Projects must take place within the Gulf of Mexico watershed and in one of the five Gulf states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, or Florida.

Period of Performance
The estimated project period for awards resulting from this solicitation will begin in Calendar Year 2025 and may extend up to three years.

Grant Value
EPA expects to provide approximately $3.25 million for five projects, with individual awards ranging from $500,000 to $650,000.

Place of Performance
Projects must be conducted within the Gulf of Mexico watershed and in one of the five Gulf states.