Competitive Research Program Funding Opportunity for 2026-2028

Competitive Research Program Funding Opportunity for 2026-2028 is sponsored by Louisiana Sea Grant (part of National Sea Grant College Program). This program funds relevant research projects addressing information gaps for coastal Louisiana communities and the state's connection to water. It aligns with Louisiana Sea Grant's mission to promote stewardship of coastal resources through research, education, and outreach.

RFP: Research Needs - Louisiana Sea Grant Funding Opportunity for 2026-2028 | FAQs | Research Needs Research Needs Identified by Louisiana Sea Grant Factors affecting oyster recruitment and settlement in Louisiana Cost, impact and policies of re-interment in cemeteries post disasters.

Insurance for coastal working waterfronts- residential, aquaculture, fisheries- traditional, crop, etc. Seafood quality evaluation of mullet or other underutilized species Rapid diagnostics, causes and treatments for crawfish acreage (~28,000 – 42,000 ac) that are impacted by White Spot virus Factors affecting the long term decline in crawfish production potential (pounds per acre) – climate, environmental toxins, diseases, crawfish evolution.

Increasing resilience in any aspect of working waterfronts including harbors of refuge, portability of coastal infrastructure, changes to building codes and structures Uses for and quality in the alligator industry Development of alternative markets for local commercial products: freshwater and marine Marine debris- derelict fishing gear prevention (commercial and recreational) and uses for old nets and gear Marine debris microplastics Wind energy interactions with a working coast Apple snails: impact and management Have we reached the tipping point of marsh edge (coastal land loss) for estuarine species in Louisiana?

Will coastal restoration projects mitigate marsh edge loss?

The coastal geography of Louisiana seafood processors and dealers The coastal geography of Louisiana marinas The coastal geography of end of the road camps across Louisiana including the economic and human dimension importance Impacts of climate and weather on Gulf menhaden populations, location, and/or oil content Projects that incorporate community science, participatory science or collaborative fisheries monitoring.

Evaluating the efficacy of place-based environmental education programming or similar STEM-based interventions.

The effects of environmental and economic forces on recreational fisheries Byproduct recovery/ waste reduction in seafood processing Dynamics and change in the alligator industry Research to facilitate harbor of refuge development (e.g. infrastructure design, decision making processes, development and designation processes) For additional information and to connect with Sea Grant personnel familiar with each need, please contact Matt Bethel, Director of Research, mbethe3@lsu.

edu .