Marine

Fishing Industry Science Alliance (FISA) – Call for Projects

April 7, 2015 by Marine Scotland Communications No Comments | Category Fisheries, Marine Directorate general, Marine Directorate Science

A funding opportunity to develop practical solutions to the challenges facing the industry today

Marine Scotland is funding joint industry science research projects to start from June 2015 and ideas are invited for work under the Fishing Industry Science Alliance (FISA).

Funding of £150,000 is available for 2015/16 to support collaborative research that furthers scientific knowledge and strives to create more sustainable and effective fisheries in Scotland. A steering group will decide on applications for funding, and FISA will be overseen by the Fisheries Management and Conservation Group (FMAC).

It is expected that the new proposals will involve work around the four broad theme areas agreed by FMAC. This list of themes and some guidance on the types of projects which will be considered can be found on the Themes for 2015-2016 project funding page. Applications can either cover new research work or enhance relevant existing work, allowing it to be completed quicker or in greater depth than currently planned.

Appropriate scientific partners are required for projects and it is essential that industry partners obtain a science collaborator (or vice versa) and discuss the proposal with them prior to submitting an application. In some cases Marine Scotland Science (MSS) may be able to act as the science partner, but only with prior agreement. The respective roles and contributions of industry and science partners should be described in applications.

There are a number of science and industry contacts that may be able to help with your proposal and FISA are looking for a balance of projects covering the above areas and anticipate between four and six projects, each costing in the region of £30,000 to £50,000. During the selection process some priority will be given to projects making a good scientific case which have match funding that enhances and adds value to the overall work. All data collected will be made available to the public, however sensitive information can be made anonymous prior to sharing.

A group of experts including fishermen and scientists will be asked to evaluate proposed ideas based on their effects, quality of science, how they address priority issues and what sort of outcomes are expected from the work. The scoring criteria and weighting can be seen on the FISA Proposal Review page. Once a range of projects have been selected, FMAC will finalise the list within the financial limits and the set of agreed projects will then be published.

This is an invaluable opportunity for all sectors of the fishing industry to join together to shape the research of the future.

The closing date for this round of applications is 29th June 2015. Please download the updated proposal form for ideas, request a copy by email from MS.FISA@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or by contacting Stephanie Dickens on 01224 295693.

Further Information

• Fishing Industry Science Alliance (FISA).

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