The Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon (FCAS) is seeking a suitable organization, such as a community group, non-government organization (NGO), university or college, or indigenous organization, to carry out an applied research project that will help contribute to the attainment of healthy and sustainable salmon stocks in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
Applied Research Definition:

• Applied Research: Research that is practical – i.e. that can be applied to a well-defined problem.  It’s the opposite of pure or theoretical research for which no specific application has been identified. Applied research is systematic in collection and examination of facts involving the practical application of science. Applied research focuses on solving specific problems or answering specific questions.
• Applied research is field or laboratory study, or analysis of existing information that addresses a well-defined question or tests a specific hypothesis such that there is unique information produced, or confirmatory findings with a strong likelihood that the results could be published in primary scientific literature.

• The applied research topic eligible for submission of a proposal is limited to the following (Note: bullets under the key topics below are suggested examples only):
• Topic 1: Are current management regulations and protocols effective in conserving, sustaining, and/or improving salmon populations?
• Topic 2: What are the consequences of aquaculture on salmon in eastern Canada?
• What is the influence of pathogens and parasites on the survival of salmon?
• What are the consequences of interbreeding between wild salmon and farmed salmon on wild salmon?
• Topic 3: How do freshwater ecosystems influence salmon populations?
• What are the causes and the consequences of variable parr and smolt size and/or abundance?
• Development of a framework, model, and/or plan of cumulative effects of land use practices (e.g. forestry, agriculture, urbanization, mining) and other stressors for the protection of Atlantic salmon.
• Identify key habitats and risks and recommend specific multi-faceted land-use management practices that protect these features.
• Topic 4: What are the consequences of climate change on salmon?

• A multi-year project submission is permitted, so the FCAS is prepared to support an applied research project spanning up to 3 years. Proponents should, therefore, specify the total project cost and the number of years to carry-out the project, with an estimated annual budget for each year. A minimum proponent contribution of 33 percent in cash or in-kind is required for each project submission.  Submissions for individual projects should not be less than $5,000 per year nor exceed a maximum of $50,000 per year.
• Proposals may be accepted with conditions of approval.  The acceptability of proposals is at the discretion of the FCAS, and the FCAS reserves the right to accept/reject proposals for any reason and reserves the right to nullify this RFP at any time and for any reason.  The applicant will be notified if their proposal is selected for implementation.

• The principles and guidelines are intended to frame the nature of the applied research proposal that are being solicited by the FCAS. The greater number of principles and guidelines a proposal addresses, and the extent to which they are addressed, the higher your response to this RFP may be expected to score in a review:
• Clear and direct benefits to salmon conservation: The goal of FCAS applied research funding is to encourage and assist research initiatives that will be of direct benefit to the attainment of healthy and sustainable salmon stocks in Quebec and Atlantic Canada. Consideration will be given to projects that guide and support the “on the ground” conservation work of community groups, indigenous organizations, and other groups.
• Atlantic salmon focus: The principal objective of applied research projects shall be conservation of wild Atlantic salmon and salmon habitat.
• Partnership is encouraged: The FCAS is encouraging partnerships among research organizations to undertake valuable applied research projects. The applicant/recipient organization shall be a Canadian organization with a proven track record of directing and managing scientific research projects. In consideration, however, of the fact that salmon applied research topics are frequently international in nature, eligible project proposals are encouraged to seek the active participation and contribution (cash and in-kind) of non-Canadian organizations, as partners in the project.
• Primary Publication requirement: Each applied research project that is selected shall result in publication of at least one peer-reviewed publication in the primary scientific literature within an agreed upon period of time.