NOAA Sea Grant National Aquaculture Initiative
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — National Sea Grant College Program
Varies — $50K–$500K typical
Federal R&D and business development grants for U.S. aquaculture
NOAA Sea Grant's National Aquaculture Initiative funds applied research, extension, and outreach projects that strengthen U.S. coastal, marine, and Great Lakes aquaculture businesses. Unlike many federal programs, for-profit aquaculture companies — shellfish growers, finfish farms, seaweed cultivators — are eligible applicants either directly or through partnerships with Sea Grant institutions. Awards fund R&D into aquaculture techniques, business development support, market development, and regulatory navigation. FY2025 anticipated $5 million across multiple projects.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Amount range
- $50,000 – $500,000
- Realistic amount
- Most funded aquaculture business projects range from $100,000–$350,000. Smaller feasibility studies and market research…
- Deadline
- Annual or biennial — FY2025 cycle expected to open mid-2025. Monitor seagrant.noaa.gov for current NOFO. Past cycles have had pre-proposal requirements similar to the Saltonstall-Kennedy program.
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Any U.S. individual, public or private corporation, partnership, or other association or entity is eligible, including for-profit businesses
- Sea Grant College institutions, other universities and nonprofits, tribal governments, state and local governments are all eligible
- For-profit small businesses (including aquaculture farms, seafood companies, technology providers) are explicitly eligible to apply as lead applicants or as subrecipients
- Project must focus on strengthening U.S. aquaculture through: development of new businesses, enhancing existing aquaculture output, efficiency, profitability, or environmental sustainability
- SAM.gov registration required
- Cost share typically required — minimum match percentage specified in NOFO (often 1:1 for for-profit applicants)
Hard requirements
- Restricted to industry: aquaculture, marine fisheries, or Great Lakes fisheries
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Applied research on aquaculture production techniques, disease management, or feed efficiency
- Business feasibility studies and market analysis for aquaculture enterprises
- Technology development for aquaculture monitoring, automation, or sustainability
- Extension and outreach programming for aquaculture businesses
- Regulatory navigation and permitting assistance for aquaculture operators
- Supply chain and market development for U.S. aquaculture products
Ineligible expenses
- Equipment purchases without direct connection to the funded project activities
- Profit margins on cost-plus contract work
- Pre-award costs without NOAA approval
- Expenses unrelated to U.S. aquaculture business development or research
How to apply
-
1
Monitor seagrant.noaa.gov for current NOFO
Subscribe to Sea Grant notifications at seagrant.noaa.gov. The National Aquaculture Initiative NOFO is published on grants.gov when active. Review NOFO for specific program priorities, cost share requirements, and page limits.
-
2
Register in SAM.gov
All applicants need a UEI from SAM.gov (allow 4–6 weeks). For-profit businesses applying for the first time should register their entity at SAM.gov well in advance of the application deadline.
-
3
Prepare and submit full application
Submit via grants.gov. Application includes: project narrative (technical approach, outcomes, community benefit), detailed budget and justification, CVs for key personnel, and cost share documentation. Some cycles require a pre-proposal — check current NOFO.
-
4
NOAA merit review and award
Sea Grant reviewers evaluate applications for scientific/technical merit, commercial relevance, environmental sustainability, and alignment with NOAA aquaculture priorities. Awards typically announced 4–6 months after application deadline.
Industry & certifications
NAICS codes: 112511, 112512, 112519, 112990
For-profit aquaculture businesses applying for the first time: partnering with your regional Sea Grant institution (every coastal state has one) as a co-PI dramatically strengthens the application and the Sea Grant institution can often provide in-kind cost share.
Deadline & timing
Competition timing varies — Sea Grant publishes NOFOs on grants.gov and seagrant.noaa.gov. The National Aquaculture Initiative is a distinct competition from regular Sea Grant institution grants. SAM.gov registration (4–6 weeks) required before applying.
Programs that stack well
Related programs
Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.