The Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA) requests pre-proposals for aquaculture applied research that addresses problems and opportunities for the aquaculture industry in the CTSA region within the strategic areas defined below. Special emphasis will be given this year (CTSA Fiscal Year 2010) to the priorities specified under each strategic area. Pre-proposals that target these priority issues will receive highest preference, although all pre-proposals from researchers are welcome and will be considered. Any projects that have farmer contact must include significant, deliverable extension efforts. CTSA strongly encourages interagency/interinstitutional cooperation and shared funding of priority projects.

CTSA’s mission is to support aquaculture research, development, demonstration, and extension education in order to enhance viable and profitable aquaculture in the United States. CTSA is funded by an annual grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The CTSA region includes the following areas: American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau.

Strategic Areas and FY 2010 Priorities

v     Species Development and Production

Farms in Hawaii and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands have cultured a variety of species that are exclusively native or endemic to their islands for their niche markets. To succeed in the Pacific region, however, and regardless of species cultured, small aquafarmers must leverage innovative approaches that either reduce the costs of or bring added value to their production efforts. Highest priority will be given to pre-proposals targeting small farm viability through the development of new species for niche markets (especially for freshwater food fish); expansion of culture for white shrimp in low-salinity conditions; and multiple markets for a single species, etc.

v     Systems Development

Sustainable development of aquaculture in the region requires the reduction of usage in non-renewable resources, including energy, water, feed ingredients, and other environmental resources. Small-scale production requires tanks and ponds, which are recirculating, modular and integrated. Highest priority will be given to pre-proposals related to the following areas: farm-appropriate alternative energy systems; integrated systems of aquaculture and plant crops, i.e. aquaponics (development and/or regional extension); and utilization of locally-available resources (i.e. using local by-processing products to develop feeds).

v     Information/Technology Transfer

Farmer education programs. Programs utilizing workshops, videos, distance learning, and other multimedia to offer continuing education to aquaculture farmers in the region are sought. Pre-proposals including a computer skills development and information transfer component for farmers will receive highest priority.

v     Pacific Island Development

There are unique technical, social, and economic challenges to aquaculture development in the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands. In many cases, technology is available but expertise and training are needed to jumpstart development. Other important concerns are assessing available resources and identifying opportunities. Pre-proposals centered on technology transfer of existing technologies will receive highest priority. The USDA also strongly favors work done by researchers within the region.

Process and Instructions

When submitting pre-proposals, researchers must identify the strategic area and priority targeted. All pre-proposals received by the deadline, Friday, April 16, 2010, will be reviewed by CTSA’s Industry Advisory Council (IAC). Only some pre-proposals (selected by the IAC) will move forward with requests for a full proposal. Full proposals will receive both internal and external review for technical quality and industry impact. Full proposals approved by the CTSA Board of Directors and the USDA as part of the CTSA FY10 Plan of Work are expected to have funding available for implementation by July 2011. 

CTSA typically does not fund projects for more than $100,000 per year. CTSA gives preference to projects that will deliver the most benefits at the lowest cost. Due to its limited project budget (< $400,000), CTSA will distribute funding to the highest ranked proposals until it has exhausted all available funds.

Eligible Applicants

Universities, community colleges, or nonprofit research institutions and organizations must lead project execution. Private individuals or commercial companies are welcome to participate in research work but cannot act as the prime contractor for any project.

Pre-Proposal Guidelines

Although an individual may submit a maximum of three pre-proposals, a researcher can act as principal investigator to only two projects in a single funding cycle. Pre-proposals must be no more than two pages (single-spaced, 12-pt. font, 1-inch margins), and the required format is Microsoft Word. Each pre-proposal must state which strategic area and priority it is targeting. Pre-proposals must include the following sections:

Proposed title or main idea

Problem statement

Clearly explain the significance of the targeted problem and its relation to future industry development.

Proposed objectives

Define and number objectives that are achievable and measurable. Please visit the CTSA Web site (www.ctsa.org) to view previously funded projects so that your pre-proposal does not duplicate the work of completed or current projects.

Approach

Describe the principal approach that the project work group will use to accomplish the objectives outlined in your pre-proposal.

Duration

If a project’s duration is to be more than one year, then your pre-proposal must include objectives and approach for each year.

Estimated budget

Estimate the amount of funding needed to accomplish objectives. A breakdown need only include total estimates for major categories, such as salary, supplies, and equipment.

Project work group members

List members, by name and affiliation, who will participate in the execution of the proposed project.

How to Submit

Please e-mail pre-proposals to mbrooks@oceanicinstitute.org by Friday, April 16, 2010. If you have any questions, please contact Meredith Brooks via e-mail or by telephone at (808) 259-3176. If necessary, pre-proposals may be faxed to (808) 259-8395 or mailed to the following address:

Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture

C/O Oceanic Institute

41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy.

Waimanalo, HI 96795