Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the California Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a scientific agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, is offering a funding opportunity under its Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, specifically within the California CESU. This program facilitates collaborative efforts between federal agencies and academic and nonprofit institutions to provide research, technical assistance, and education. The current opportunity is focused on addressing the persistent issue of mercury contamination in recreational and sport fish across various freshwater ecosystems. This effort aligns with USGS’s mission to provide impartial, up-to-date scientific information to help policymakers and resource managers make informed decisions. The grant supports a cooperative research project entitled "Reducing Mercury in Fish in Hydroelectric Power Reservoirs, Managed Wetlands, and Lakes." This initiative aims to explore how methylmercury forms in aquatic systems and contributes to mercury biomagnification in fish. Mercury contamination is a significant environmental and public health issue, especially in hydroelectric reservoirs, managed wetlands such as the Florida Everglades, and mine-impacted lakes with high selenium levels. The overarching goal is to develop predictive frameworks for how methylmercury formation in water and sediments affects fish mercury levels, thereby guiding management actions aimed at reducing mercury concentrations in aquatic food webs. The project will be carried out over one year with a total funding cap of $270,000, and it is anticipated that one award will be issued. The cooperative agreement will be formed between USGS and a CESU-affiliated partner who can contribute specialized expertise and facilities. The research will involve analyzing water and sediment samples, integrating these findings with ecological data from USGS, and identifying linkages between management practices and mercury reduction in fish. Three primary sub-objectives target different ecological settings: hydroelectric reservoirs, subtropical wetlands (with a focus on the Florida Everglades), and selenium-rich, mine-impacted lakes. The scope of work includes synthesizing existing data, collecting new field data, conducting laboratory analyses, and disseminating results in accessible formats. Deliverables will include final reports, scientific publications, and possibly data visualizations or tools that enable stakeholders to make more informed decisions. Recipients are strongly encouraged to publish in peer-reviewed journals and share findings with relevant government agencies, local and regional organizations, and the public. All products must adhere to USGS Fundamental Science Practices, including a mandatory Data Management Plan that outlines how data will be preserved and shared. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number G26AS00100. Applicants should follow the submission instructions carefully, including the preparation of a detailed project narrative, budget, biographical sketches, and disclosures related to foreign affiliations and current/pending support. A Project Abstract Summary (PAS) must also be included and will become publicly available on USAspending.gov. Questions regarding the administrative aspects of the grant should be directed to Katie Calder ([email protected]), while technical inquiries should go to Collin Eagles-Smith ([email protected]). This funding opportunity is limited to institutions that are members of the California CESU. Proposals will be evaluated on their alignment with project objectives, scientific rigor, cost justification, and the qualifications and experience of the project team. The award will be made for a one-year performance period, and funds will be fully obligated at the time of award. Required reporting includes annual progress and financial reports, as well as a comprehensive final technical report within 120 days of project completion. The project does not recur annually, and there is no rolling deadline; applications must be submitted by the specified closing date.

Clearly define how objectives align with USGS priorities; Ensure technical methods align with mercury speciation standards; Budget must match level of effort.