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FISHERY RESEARCH PROGRAM
PURPOSE OF PROGRAM
To conduct research and develop recommendations for
achieving a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem. Research priorties have been organized into theme areas. Also, research priorities have been developed for each of the five Great Lakes.
TYPE OF RESEARCH
Great Lakes fishery research, including ecological and
social sciences is supported. Theme areas include Ecosystem Health and Large Lakes, Fish Health and Ecosystem Dysfunction, Human Dimensions, and Reintroduction of Native Deep-water Fish. Also supported are projects that address the research priorities identified by the Lake Committees, and the Great Lakes Fish Health Committee. Research projects that do not fit into an existing theme area are supported under the category of Non-Theme Research. Hightly meritorious concepts, not connected to existing theme areas may be funded.
-- List of past and present research projects --
-- Fishery Research Program Completion Reports --
FUNDING
Projects range from U.S.$10,000 to U.S.$100,000 per year. The average award ranges from U.S.$35,000-$50,000 per year. Most projects are2-3 years in duration. Annual funding available for Fishery Research Program projects is typically $500,000. For more information, review the current call for proposals.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Secretariat staff and the commission’s Board of Technical Experts (BOTE) administer research funded under this category.
RESEARCH AREAS
Theme areas – Research theme
areas describe a broad topic of importance to Great
Lakes fishery management. Theme areas establish key
research questions and hypotheses that become the focus of
specific projects.
Research theme areas
Theme development – The leadership for development of research theme areas is provided by members of the Board of Technical Experts. Investigators with ideas for new theme areas should contact the commission’s Science Director.
Theme meetings – The commission sponsors annual meetings under each
theme area for investigators conducting related research,
regardless of whether they are supported by commission
funds. Please
contact the Science Director of the commission for meeting
dates and locations.
Research to Support Immediate Needs of Great Lakes
Fishery Management – Research projects that
provide for a quick response to the immediate information
needs of Great Lakes fishery management may also be
funded.
Non-Theme Area Research – Projects that do
not fall under any current theme area may also be
supported. This provides an opportunity for researchers
with highly meritorious concepts, not connected to
existing theme areas, to access commission funding.
NEW GREAT LAKES RESEARCHERS
New investigators to the Great Lakes region are encouraged to develop their research programs on Great Lakes fisheries topics. New researchers should review the new
investigator criteria to see if they qualify. The category of "new investigator" is a designation, not a separate funding category. New investigators should note that they are new investigators where indicated on the pre-proposal and proposal forms.
Mentorship Opportunity for New Great Lakes Researchers – Any new investigator should contact the GLFC Science Director or one of our research theme area leaders to discuss your study ideas and objectives early in the development of a pre-proposal for submission. The BOTE extends this invitation to help new investigators develop successful proposals.
PILOT PROJECTS
Pilot research projects are designed to explore new hypotheses and concepts and to acquire preliminary data to guide the develpment of full research proposals. Pilot project proposals may be submitted at any time and must be less than $10,000 USD. Funding decisions will be made after the March and September BOTE meetings. Deadlines for submission of pilot project proposals are January 15th for consideration in March or July 15th for consideration in September.
The pilot project proposal template can be downloaded by right-clicking the link below:
---Pilot Project Proposal Template ---
Right click the above link, a fly-out menu will appear; from the menu select "Save Target As...", then hit the save button on the pop-up window.
PROJECT RANKING CRITERIA
The BOTE evaluates research proposals based on the criteria below:
Scientific merit of proposals – Every
research proposal submitted will be subjected to a review by scientific peers. Peer review evaluates the proposed research based on scientific merit, rationale, innovativeness, budget, logistics, and qualifications of the proponents. Peer reviewers have demonstrated expertise in the proposal topic area. Proposal success will be highly dependent upon positive,
favorable peer reviews of the proposal and upon positive review by the BOTE. Investigators submitting proposal should review the peer review form prior to proposal preparation. Projects must be non-duplicative with other projects.
Relationships to fishery agency and commission
programs – Research projects will have a high
priority for funding if they directly relate to the research themes , or the research priorities identified by
the Lake
Committees.
- Projects will be evaluated against the information needs described by the theme under which they are submitted or the information needs described by the Lake Committees' research priorities.
Importance to conservation, rehabilitation, and
sustainability of fisheries – Research projects
will have a high priority for funding if they relate to a
species of conservation or rehabilitation concern, or if
they are critical to the achievement of healthy Great
Lakes ecosystems.
Past performance – Project leaders should
have demonstrated the expertise required to complete the
project or have co-investigators or appropriate
partnerships with other organizations to meet all the
requirements of the project. Capability to finish projects through peer reviewed publication is essential.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PROCESS AND GENERAL SCHEDULE
Questions regarding pre-proposal or proposal submission should be directed to the Fishery Research Program Associate. Additional information about submitting pre-proposals and proposals can be found here.
| Any time |
Discuss potential projects with the Commission's Science Director, the chair of BOTE, or the theme leaders. |
| January 15 |
Pre-proposals are due |
| Early March |
Brief presentationon proposed research to BOTE. |
| March |
Authors of successful pre-proposals
are requested to develop a full proposal |
| June 15 |
Full proposals due |
| June – August |
Peer review of full proposals |
| October |
BOTE develops recommendations for
funding |
| Early December |
Commission decides on which projects to
fund |
| Mid December |
Investigators notified |
If you would like to be notified of future requests for proposals please Click Here
PRE-PROPOSAL AND FULL PROPOSAL FORMATS FOR FISHERY RESEARCH PROGRM PROJECTS:
--- Pre Proposal format ---
--- Full proposal format ---
FULL PROPOSAL FORMAT FOR PILOT PROJECTS:
---Pilot Project Proposal Template ---
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