In FY 2000, Congress appropriated $4 million for cooperative research, management, and enforcement programs with the objective of developing collaborative relationships among NOAA Fisheries, the scientific community, and the fishing industry. Ten short-term research projects were implemented under the FY 2000 funding cycle and are currently ongoing. In FY 2001, Congress appropriated $15 million for the continuation of Cooperative Research Programs and an additional $3.75 million was allocated for Cooperative Research Programs in FY 2002.

Fishery management is by nature a multiple-year endeavor following long time series of fishery dependent and independent information. Additionally, there are specific needs for immediate short-term biological, oceanographic, and habit information to help solve fishery management issues. Thus, CRPI has developed two avenues to accommodate cooperative research. From its inception, the CRPI has funded $9,968,999 in short- and long-term research.

CRPI Long-Term Programs: The majority of the remaining funds will be used to develop long-term cooperative research programs focused on fisheries independent data as well as fishery-dependent data. The three long-term programs currently being implemented include: 1) Industry Based Survey (IBS) - industry-based resource surveys to collect fishery-dependent information, 2) Study Fleet - development of a fisherman's study fleet to collect fishery-dependent information in higher resolution, and 3) Atlantic Cod Tagging Program - cod tagging to study movements and aggregation patterns.

CRPI Short-Term Research Projects: Several short-term research projects are funded annually through contracts and grants. The grant program encourages smaller, short-term cooperative research projects such as habitat studies, marine mammal studies, and socioeconomic research. To date, with Congressional support and funding, 25 short-term (1- to 2-year duration) research projects totaling $5 million have been funded. These projects aim to provide more detailed information on fish stocks, marine habitat, and bycatch reduction through the use of more selective fishing gears. Finally, there will be some funds provided to the New England Fishery Management Council for cooperative research activities.

This funding provides a significant opportunity to NOAA Fisheries to develop collaborative relationships with the fishing industry. These Cooperative Research Programs are a mechanism to build trust and understanding among the various players in the fisheries community and management agencies.

NOAA Fisheries - Northeast Region Cooperative Research Partners Initiative Projects Status