Annually, the Division of Marine Fisheries Director’s office consults with staff to determine research needs that will assist efforts to manage the marine resources of North Carolina. Subsequent to this determination, and in accordance with the North Carolina Marine Resources Fund and Marine Resources Endowment Fund Strategic Plan to Manage, Protect, Restore, Develop, Cultivate, Conserve, and Enhance North Carolina’s Marine Resources, the division will issue a request for proposals with specific priority needs.