Request for Proposals: SAFMC Communities Project Phase I and Phase II
Proposal Submission Deadline for both Phases: January 12, 2026
More information on the project scope, timeline, applicant qualifications, and how to apply can be found in the requests for proposals (RFP) for each phase.
Background
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is committed to enhancing its understanding and communication with fishing communities throughout the South Atlantic region. The effects of changing ecosystems have necessitated a deeper exploration into the vulnerabilities and challenges facing these communities. To address these needs, the Council is launching a multi-phase Communities Project aimed at identifying place-based fishing communities and developing effective communication strategies to ensure their needs and perspectives are integrated into fishery management decisions. This initiative addresses prioritized actions identified during the stakeholder-informed East Coast Scenario Planning effort1 and supports the fulfillment of mandates such as National Standard 8 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries and Conservation Act, which emphasizes continued community access to fishery resources and minimizing adverse economic impacts.
Phase I of the Communities Project is focused on the place-based identification and characterization of fishing communities in the South Atlantic region. This phase involves gathering and analyzing existing data to map the geographical locations of these communities, assess their economic and cultural dependencies on fishing activities, and evaluate their vulnerabilities to environmental changes such as sea level rise, storms, and shifts in fish distribution and productivity. The outcomes of Phase I are intended to provide comprehensive information to the Council and support work being conducted for Phase II. Additionally, the work will inform scenario planning discussions in a subsequent Phase III, ensuring that management measures are informed by robust social and ecological data and stakeholder input.
Guided by the ongoing work in Phase I, Phase II is designed to integrate the information gathered about fishing communities into a targeted stakeholder outreach and communication assessment. The goal of Phase II is to develop a strategic Outreach and Communication Plan that strengthens the integration of community perspectives into Council management decisions. This phase involves working closely with community stakeholders to understand their communication preferences, identifying the most effective methods to encourage engagement, and developing implementation tools. The outcomes of Phase II will support adaptive management and the Council’s goals to improve engagement with stakeholders not yet active in the management process, incorporate local ecological knowledge and community vulnerability assessments into management decision-making, and work to rebuild trust with communities affected by management actions. By building trust, fostering participation, and making qualitative data actionable, the project will support management that is both scientifically robust and grounded in the realities of those most affected by ecosystem change.
Phase I: Place-Based Identification and Characterization of South Atlantic Fishing Communities
Phase I focuses on the identification of South Atlantic fishing communities and analyzing data to characterize the communities’ economic dependencies and vulnerabilities to environmental changes such as sea level rise and shifting fish populations. The deliverables include a comprehensive report, outreach products, a database to support further stakeholder assessment and communication planning in Phase II, and presentations of draft and final reports to relevant panels and the Council.
Phase II: Stakeholder Outreach and Communication Assessment and Strategic Plan
Phase II focuses on developing a strategic Outreach and Communication Plan that promotes the incorporation of community perspectives into Council management decisions. Guided by Phase I efforts, a stakeholder outreach and communication assessment will be developed and conducted. This phase necessitates close collaboration with stakeholders to identify effective engagement methods and create tools such as an online communication hub and interactive stakeholder maps. The deliverables include an assessment of current outreach activities, a comprehensive communication plan with strategies and performance measures, an online communication hub with interactive tools and resources, guidance materials and training sessions for staff, and presentations of draft and final reports to relevant panels and the Council.