Established in 1994, the N.C. Fishery Resource Grant Program (FRG) encourages cooperative research among commercial fishers, recreational anglers, seafood businesses and university researchers.

Fisheries in North Carolina

North Carolina has 2.5 million acres of marine and estuarine waters and 39 major fish stocks. In 2007, North Carolina's commercial fishers landed 62.9 million pounds of fish and shellfish with a dockside value of $82.3 million. Most of the state's commercial fishers are small-scale and independent. Learn more about North Carolina fisheries from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries and the North Carolina Fisheries Association.

The first of its kind in the United States, the FRG program is designed to meet the needs of a new era of fisheries planning and management. With declines in several major commercial fisheries species, along with increasing conflict concerning catch limits and the allocation of marine resources, innovative research is necessary to keep North Carolina's fishing industries viable.

The FRG program is funded by the N.C. General Assembly and administered by North Carolina Sea Grant. The four priority research areas are:

• Fisheries Equipment & Gear
• Environmental Pilot Studies
• Aquaculture & Mariculture
• Seafood Technology

Those thinking about submitting a proposal must first attend a workshop held in the fall of each year where applicants are given an introduction to the program, assistance in the development of research ideas, and help identifying possible collaborators.

Learn more about eligibility, proposal development and submission, or download an application for this program.

Highlighted Projects

	FRG Research Makes A Difference
Feasibility of Using Mobile Hydroacoustic Surveys for Estimating Spawning Stock Size of Blueback Herring in Western Albemarle Sound, NC Investigators: Terry Pratt, Warren Mitchell, and Chris Taylor During a statewide herring moratorium, fishery- independent data is crucial View Abstract (07-FEG-09)

SPECIES ON THE BRINK: LATEST CHALLENGES FOR RIVER HERRING RESEARCH
By: Robin Wienke, Coastwatch Winter 2009

Once upon a time, river herring multiplied by the millions in North Carolina's waters. During spring spawning runs in the Chowan and other rivers, fishermen were literally knee-deep in the easy-to-preserve protein source. (Read Full Story)

The Amazing Oyster (Purchase)
Learn more about oysters!

Circle Hook Offshore (Order this Free Product)
Learn more about circle hooks!
Overview of Circle Hooks

Photos: NCSG Stock, Scott Taylor, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Kevin Magowan