2026 Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set Aside Program

NMFS, in coordination with the New England Fishery Management Council (Council), is soliciting proposals under the Scallop RSA Program. Projects funded under the Scallop RSA Program must enhance the knowledge of the scallop fishery resource or contribute to the body of information on which scallop management decisions are made. Priority will be given to proposals that investigate research priorities developed by the Council, which are detailed under the Program Priorities section of this announcement Successful applicants will be awarded scallop RSA quota. No federal funds are provided for research under this notification. Rather, proceeds generated from the sale of RSA quota will be used to fund approved activities and compensate scallop vessel owners.