The Marine Advisory Program at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science is now accepting applications from commercial interests to compete for funding as part of the Virginia Fishery Resource Grant Program (VRFGP).

VIMS will host two workshops to explain the VRFGP, including eligibility and funding priorities, how to complete the application form, and where to turn for help in developing a grant-proposal package.

The first workshop will take place on Monday, Dec. 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Davis Hall on VIMS’s main campus at Gloucester Point. A second workshop will be offered on Dec. 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Seaside Hall of the VIMS Eastern Shore Laboratory in Wachapreague.

The General Assembly created the VFRGP in 1999 to protect and enhance the commonwealth’s coastal fishery resource through the awarding of grants in four areas: new marine fisheries equipment or gear; environmental pilot studies on issues including water quality and fisheries habitat; aquaculture or maricultu...