Fishery Research Program
Fishery Research Program supports researchers conducting basic and applied science to inform Great Lakes fishery management and advance the conservation and rehabilitation of healthy ecosystems.
Funder: Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Due Dates: January 15, 2027 (Pre-proposals and spring pilots) | June 1, 2027 (Invited full proposals) | July 15, 2027 (Fall pilots)
Funding Amounts: Typically $35,000–$150,000 per year for multi-year projects; pilots up to $20,000 USD for up to one year
Summary: Supports basic and applied research informing Great Lakes fishery management, ecosystem conservation, and rehabilitation.
Key Information: Investigators may be listed on no more than three Fishery Research Program pre-proposals.
Description
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission’s Fishery Research Program funds basic and applied science to inform conservation and rehabilitation of healthy Great Lakes ecosystems that sustain fisheries and benefit society. Its competitive, peer-reviewed program is organized around research themes and management priorities, with review led by the Board of Technical Experts. Cross-cutting projects integrating themes or disciplines are encouraged, and relevant work outside existing themes may receive support as non-theme research.
The FY2028 call highlights Indigenous-led stewardship of fish populations and effects of emerging contaminants on Great Lakes fishes. Indigenous research should incorporate Indigenous knowledges and strengthen community capacity, particularly around cultural keystone species. Contaminant research emphasizes microplastics exposure, fish health and toxicity, and improved monitoring and analytical methods that strengthen ecological risk assessment.
