American Lobster Initiative

Funding for Lobster Industry and Scientists!

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative is pleased to announce funding to support new collaborative research projects that closely align with emerging lobster industry and management needs. This request for proposals (RFP) adds to the substantial breadth of previous ALI-funded research by prioritizing projects that create “actionable science” (outputs and findings of the scientific process are useful to and usable by end-user communities) through the co-creation of information and/or products. 
To reach this goal, the ALI seeks to support collaborative research practices, the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources/capacities amongst the many people who comprise the American lobster industry. Projects must be developed and led by collaborative research teams that include at least one fishing industry representative, such as a commercial fisherman or a representative from a commercial fishing business, including cooperatives, dealers and processors. This call emphasizes research conducted with and for the industry, offering an exciting opportunity to support and elevate industry-research-management partnerships to address current ecological, regulatory, and socio-economic challenges faced by the American lobster fishery.

Deadline for Letters of Intent: July 3, 2026 by 11:59pm

Deadline for Full Proposals: August 28, 2026 by 11:59pm

Informational Webinar: June 16, 2026, 12-1pm; Register Here

Drop-in Proposal Consultation Zoom: June 22, 2026 at 3pm; June 30, 2026 at 10am