In August 2023, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) received approval for $58 million in federal disaster assistance funds requested from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). To combat the aftermath of the historic 2019 Mississippi and Atchafalaya flood, funds were appropriated to aid in the implementation of a number of resiliency measures outlined in the spending plan developed by LDWF.
One of the resiliency efforts included in the approved spending plan is the establishment of the Marine Aquaculture Grant Program. This grant program, which was allocated $1 million, is intended to encourage and create new forms of aquaculture in Louisiana. The introduction of new aquaculture methods will increase economic opportunities and enhance the sustainability and resilience of Louisiana’s seafood industry.
Funding is available to any governmental and public entity as well as private organizations and companies interested in developing a marine aquaculture project on land or in territorial waters. Pilot projects funded under the program may include hatcheries, nurseries, grow out facilities, aquacultures parks or zones, or other related operations. Any saltwater species already on the Domesticated Aquatic Organism (DAO) list, or those capable of being added to the DAO list will be considered for funding. However, any oyster related aquaculture activity is not eligible under the program.
LDWF will conduct an evaluation process to identify the most advantageous and financially efficient projects. If a project is selected, the applicant will be responsible for obtaining all required permits and executing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with LDWF. The selected applicant(s) will be reimbursed only for eligible expenses under this program. Project-related costs incurred prior to the execution of the CEA are not eligible for reimbursement.
Applications will be accepted via email or hardcopy through May 31, 2024. You can obtain an application packet here or by emailing Jason Froeba at jfroeba@wlf.la.gov.
