Research Funding

Northeast Consortium Funding/Research Policies

75/25 Funding Allocation Ratio
Cooperative research projects should be designed to meet the following Northeast Consortium target allocation proportion among partners: 25% to scientists (e.g., universities or research institutions) and 75% fishermen (e.g., fishermen, collaboratives, industry organizations). Funds designated for fishermen may include captain and crew salary and wages, vessel use, travel, insurance, permits, equipment, and supplies. If possible, participating fishermen are paid using monitored fixed-price agreements, i.e., based upon a standard or fixed cost per trip or other event. Designation of other project participants (including project coordinators, financial agents, etc) as either "science" or "industry" should be justified.

Confidentiality & Conflict of Interest
The Northeast Consortium applies this Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Policy to its Representatives, staff, Advisory Committee and other panel reviewers so that it can ensure as fair and objective a review process as possible.

Effort Allocation Between Research and Commercial Fishing
Unless specifically justified, collaborative research activities should not be undertaken while commercial fishing. Any project for which research will be conducted while commercial fishing, using days-at-sea (DAS), and/or intending to land and sell the fish must have justifiable reasons for this approach in terms of the project goals. When fish are caught during research efforts, the Northeast Consortium encourages the participants to sell the fish. Money received from sale of fish should be split as follows: 75% returned to the Northeast Consortium to be used in funding future proposals through the competitive RFP process; 25% stays with the fishing boat as compensation for processing the catch.