April 14, 2016 — I am writing regarding your recent editorial and news coverage of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Program and the projects that have been selected for 2016-17. The Scallop RSA Program is one of the best examples of cooperative fisheries research with industry in the nation, serving an important role in supporting the management of this fishery, which is such a part of New Bedford’s economy. Your readers should know that the program is very competitive, that all proposals are evaluated using independent reviews, and that although all have worthy points, not all can be funded.
As director of NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center, it is my goal to build stronger strategic partnerships with regional research partners, including UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science and Technology, an institution with a strong record in educating students and in carrying out research that is directly relevant to managing living marine resources. NOAA funds a faculty member at SMAST and there are many examples of productive collaborations involving SMAST students and faculty, and NEFSC researchers. A number of these activities include Dr. Kevin Stokesbury, a member of the SMAST faculty who is recognized for his work on survey methodology and scallop assessment, and for his effective collaboration with industry.
When Dr. Stokesbury’s RSA proposals for further sea scallop surveys were not selected for funding in 2016, I was greatly concerned about how this would be received. I appreciate his concern over the result, well publicized in your paper, but I believe his criticism of the grants process is unfounded.