IFAW and NMFS Seek Device for Collecting Data on Whale Entanglements

Sea Technology, Mar 2008

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Service (NMFS) are making up to $70,000 in funds available for the development of technology to provide data collection information about the characteristics of fishing involved in large whale entanglements.

Certain types of fixed fishing gear have been identified as an entanglement risk to large whales; however, it remains unclear specifically what factors (e.g., gear components, location, depth, method of gear-setting) increase entanglement risk.

This grant opportunity seeks to support research and development of a technological device to store such data, the organizations said.

The information collected from marked gear involved in entanglement events could be used to help develop appropriate management measures to further reduce the risk of interaction between large whales and fixed-gear fisheries.

Preference will be given for proposals which incorporate field testing and take into account durability of the device in harsh marine environments. Multiple proposals may be accepted, depending on availability of funding.

Eligible applicants may include individuals, institutions of higher education, nongovernmental organizations, commercial organizations and foreign governments. Members of the fishing community, gear manufacturers and technological innovators are especially encouraged to apply, according to IFAW and NMFS.

Proposals are due by March 31, and awards are to be given by June. Work must be completed between June 2008 and July 2009.