MOSFAR grant rounds support local harbormasters, wildlife rescue and drone‑based response; pump‑out pilot removed over 3,000 gallons

MassDEP said MOSFAR has run two grant rounds so far: Round 1 (2021) awarded nine grants totaling about $215,000 and Round 2 (2023/2024) awarded 15 grants totaling roughly $700,000. Grant recipients included local fire departments (drone programs and FLIR cameras), harbor masters, pilot associations (handheld navigation equipment), the New England Wildlife Center (training and field kits), and the Saugus River Watershed Council for a site‑specific spill response plan.

Speaker 5 described notable grants in more detail: the USS Kennedy museum ship in Fall River received support for a petroleum‑product survey and removal plan to avoid on‑board oil hazards; the Buzzards Bay Coalition received funds to evaluate pump‑out station feasibility with conceptual designs for three locations. Speaker 3 summarized a New Bedford bilge pump‑out pilot (July–December 2023): 12 pump‑outs servicing 48 vessels removed an estimated 3,260 gallons of oily bilge. Buzzards Bay Coalition secured an additional grant to help identify permanent holding or treatment site options.

Speakers said the next grant solicitation is planned for spring with submittals due in summer and awards in late summer or fall; the program anticipates distributing more than $1 million in the upcoming round. Grants are open to local governments, nonprofits and academic institutions for projects that benefit coastal communities and advance MOSFAR objectives.

Committee members were invited to contact staff for application guidance and to review examples of successful proposals on the MassDEP program website.