NOAA Fisheries has announced a major funding opportunity that directly impacts the West Coast seafood sector. Up to $99 million is now available through the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF) to support habitat restoration, conservation, and recovery projects for Pacific salmon and steelhead.
This funding – drawn from base appropriations and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – aims to bolster wild populations, which in turn strengthens federal ocean fisheries, stabilizes the domestic seafood supply chain, and supports local economies.
Key Highlights for the Seafood Sector
- Economic & Grid Impacts: Beyond ecological benefits, these recovery projects drive direct economic activity, particularly in rural coastal areas, by creating immediate jobs and utilizing local contractors.
- Compliance & Data Standards: In alignment with the Executive Order on Gold Standard Science, the application process will prioritize projects that utilize interdisciplinary budgets and adopt open-data protocols to facilitate independent replication.
- Proven Track Record: Habitat restoration works. NOAA highlights that the majority of protected salmon stocks targeting these improvements have seen population increases. Notably, past river habitat restoration for Oregon Coast coho successfully strengthened populations enough to sustain a thriving recreational fishery, boosting local coastal economies.
Eligibility & Funding Priorities
Eligible applicants from California, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington – as well as federally recognized Pacific coast and Columbia River Basin tribes – can submit proposals for up to $25 million.
Projects must demonstrate clear benefits for West Coast salmon and steelhead, focusing on:
- Conserving ESA-listed threatened or endangered populations, or state-identified at-risk species.
- Maintaining populations necessary for tribal treaty fishing rights and subsistence fishing.
- Restoring and conserving vital Pacific coastal habitats.
Critical Deadlines
- Application Deadline: June 29, 2026
- Selection Announcements: Expected September 2026
For complete details, application criteria, and submission instructions, you can view the full funding opportunity via the NOAA Fisheries portal.