Skip to main content

Virginia Fishery Resource Grants available for commercial fishers

Summary

Applications are open through January 5, 2026 for the Virginia Fishery Resource Grant Program (VFRGP). This program provides financial support to commercial fishers for initiatives that improve and protect Virginia’s marine fisheries.

Full Description

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Marine Advisory Program is now accepting applications for the Virginia Fishery Resource Grant Program (VFRGP), which supports innovative ideas from commercial fishers to improve and protect Virginia’s marine fisheries.

A basic principle of the VFRGP is that commercial fishers often have valid ideas for enhancing and protecting fisheries, but they lack the financial resources to experiment with innovations. The VFRGP invests in ideas generated by the fishing public through fair and competitive methods. All applications submitted within the limits of the Guidelines for Submission will be accepted and reviewed for technical merit and the ability to address one or more of the specific priorities:

  • New fisheries equipment and gear: The development of more environmentally friendly gear, methods to reduce by-catch, and more effective ways to handle catch.
  • Environmental pilot studies: Ways to restore damaged habitat, create new habitat, prevent habitat impairment, or reduce impact from fishing or aquaculture activities.
  • Aquaculture/mariculture: Focus on ways to develop criteria and assessment for permits, increase return from investment in culture activities, or introduce new species to the existing aquaculture list to broaden participation in commercial aquaculture.
  • Seafood technology and utilization: Develop value added products from existing production, expand on underused or new fishery resources, create models for total quality system management programs, or increase returns in the seafood industry by improving packaging and handling.

Whether you're working on developing new gear, exploring aquaculture, improving seafood handling or restoring habitat — there’s funding available to help bring your ideas to life.

Who can apply?

Anyone actively involved in Virginia’s marine fishing industry, including aquaculture and seafood processing.

Deadline to apply:

Applications must be received by January 5, 2026. You can submit by mail or email. Each applicant may submit up to two proposals.

Have questions about eligibility or need help applying?

Email [[v|frgadmin]] to set up an appointment with one of our coordinators for guidance or consultation.

Visit www.vims.edu/map/frg for the application, priorities and more details.