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. See the list of newly funded FRG projects (2012 Press Release)

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.

Search our website for past and current FRG reports and summaries.

FRG RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

FRG Research Makes A Difference

Oyster Population Research Contributes to Federal Recovery Act Project in Pamlico Sound A $5 million project restoring oyster reefs is creating 49 acres of gamefish habitat and over 130 jobs for locals. FRG research (06-EP-03, 07-EP-04) helped determine the best restoration locations for this federal stimulus project. Read about the project successes, and view videos and photos of fishermen and contractors at work.

Community Supported Fisheries
Commercial fishing families are struggling. FRG research (06-ST-02, 07-ST-04) has spawned "CSF" programs, promoting local seafood and new revenue sources.

River Herring Populations
During a statewide herring moratorium, FRG research (07-FEG-09) may help determine the fate of this historic fishery. Read a Coastwatch article about the study.

Pearl Culture in Pen Shells
North Carolina's aquaculture frontier may soon include saltwater pearls. Read a Coastwatch article and watch YouTube clips about this innovative FRG project (09-AM-02)

Circle Hooks for Better Fishing
FRG researchers (07-FEG-16) recommend circle hooks to prevent gut-hooking tuna, mahi and other sportfish. A free instructional DVD is available. (Watch an excerpt).