The Northeast Consortium was created in 1999 to encourage and fund effective, equal partnerships among commercial fishermen, scientists, and other stakeholders to engage in collaborative research and monitoring projects in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank.

The Northeast Consortium is comprised of four research institutions (University of New Hampshire, University of Maine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) working together to foster this initiative.

The Northeast Consortium administers funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for collaborative research on a broad range of topics. The funding is by the University of New Hampshire on behalf of the Northeast Consortium. Funds are distributed through an open competition, which is announced via a Request for Proposals (RFP). All projects must involve partnership between commercial fishermen and scientists.

The Northeast Consortium seeks to fund projects that will be conducted in a responsible manner. Collaborative research projects should be designed to minimize any negative impacts to ecosystems or marine organisms, and be consistent with accepted ethical research practices.

Read our Participants Summary for general information about funding distribution. For more information about specific projects funded by the Northeast Consortium, search our Project Information Database.