PUERTO RICO SEA GRANT RESEARCH COMPETITION AND RESQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) AND GUIDELINES Overview The University of Puerto Rico Sea Grant College Program is requesting preliminary proposals for the 2026-2028 funding cycle. Puerto Rico Sea Grant supports a multidisciplinary, integrated program of applied research, outreach, and education to increase citizens’ understanding and responsible use of Puerto Rico’s and United States Virgin Islands’ coastal and marine resources. Information generated by Puerto Rico Sea Grant-funded research reaches stakeholders through Puerto Rico Sea Grant extension, education, and communications activities in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Island region and via the national network. Our region of primary interest is the Archipelago of Puerto Rico and that of the United States Virgin Islands. Priority research areas were identified through information drawn from focus groups, interviews, and a survey of resource users, managers, and scientist. This consultation process led to our extended 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, adapted to tend to the evolving needs based on the current socioeconomic, environmental, and recent earthquakes and coronavirus pandemic threats. The current plan can be downloaded from www.seagrantpr.org/communications-and-publications/reports/ . Priorities for Research Projects For the 2026-2028 research cycle all proposed work must be in alignment with at least one of the four focus areas identified on the current 2024-2027 Strategic Plan: Healthy Ecosystems and Habitats, Resilient Communities and Economies, Education and Workforce Development, and Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture. This plan provides a broad foundation for economic growth and opportunity by focusing on key priorities established by the Department of Commerce specifically to equip our employees with the tools and knowledge needed to accomplish Puerto Rico Sea Grant’s mission of protecting our environment and helping businesses and communities adapt to a changing planet. On this cycle, we highly encourage proposals that address the linkages between: 1) aquaculture and sustainability, 2) non-traditional management strategies and marine protected areas, and 3) gentrification and climate change impacts. Please also note that proposals not related to this high priority themes will also be considered. However, given the Archipelago’s unique vulnerability to external economic cycles and the consequences of climate related environmental changes, we are prioritizing our support in favor of research projects that: •
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Identify projects and site areas particularly well suited for the establishment of new locally runed aquaculture business by virtue of minimizing potential environmental impacts, conflicts with other ocean and coastal uses, and synergy with shore-side communities and their economies. Designing creative planning, practices, and action programs for the management of marine protected areas in Puerto Rico.