Black Abalone Reproduction Investigation: Facilitating Critical Habitat Exemption At San Clemente Island For Enhanced Fleet Readiness And Unburdened Testing And Training

The “Black Abalone Reproduction Investigation: Facilitating Critical Habitat Exemption at San Clemente Island” is a cooperative agreement opportunity issued by the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southwest in April 2025. The grant supports the U.S. Navy's environmental stewardship and military readiness missions by funding research on the reproductive biology of black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii), a federally endangered species. San Clemente Island (SCI) is one of the last remaining habitats for black abalone in southern California. Although it was excluded from the critical habitat designation due to the Navy’s Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP), continued research is necessary to maintain this exemption. The proposed cooperative agreement aligns with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 2020 Black Abalone Recovery Plan by addressing critical gaps in the species’ reproductive ecology. This cooperative agreement will fund a multi-phase research program utilizing red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) as a surrogate species to assess reproductive development and larval recruitment under changing environmental conditions. The Base Period includes two key tasks: conducting non-invasive studies on red abalone to monitor gonadal development and larval recruitment linked to changes in diet and environmental stressors, and compiling a scientific report of the findings. Follow-on Option Periods will expand this research by refining ultrasonography methods, culturing larvae from successful spawning events, and evaluating juvenile growth under various oceanic conditions. The research will take place primarily at Naval Auxiliary Landing Field San Clemente Island, California. Key deliverables include experiment outlines, cultured abalone collection, reproductive studies, and draft and final reports due at specific intervals within each 18-month phase. Additional requirements include monthly health monitoring logs, safety plans, inspections, and coordination meetings. The government will review and approve all draft and final deliverables, and any publication or presentation resulting from this work must be submitted to the Navy for pre-approval and include an acknowledgment of funding by the U.S. Commander, Pacific Fleet. Eligible applicants are required to have specific qualifications. The principal investigator must hold a PhD in Animal Science or a related field, have experience in environmental stressors on aquatic animal reproduction, and at least 10 years of experience in marine invertebrate culture. A postdoctoral researcher must also be designated with expertise in shellfish aquaculture and reproductive biology. The recipient must comply with all applicable federal and state environmental laws, obtain necessary permits, and follow safety protocols, particularly those related to unexploded ordnance on SCI. The period of performance includes one 18-month Base Period and three 18-month Option Periods, contingent on available funding and performance. All tasks must align with current Navy and environmental regulations, and recipients are required to use non-invasive technologies and standardized scientific methodologies. The Navy will provide transportation and equipment use on SCI, but the recipient is responsible for lodging, permits, and safety compliance. For inquiries related to this cooperative agreement, the designated Cooperative Agreement Administrator (CAA) is Mr. Christen Gonzales, Contract Specialist, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Southwest, reachable at christen.m.gonzales.civ@us.navy.mil or by phone at (619) 705-5529. The Technical Representative (CATR) is Ms. Megan Hanna, Natural Resources Specialist, at megan.e.hanna3.civ@us.navy.mil or (619) 705-5578. The agreement does not list a specific application opening or closing date but includes a detailed deliverables schedule after award. This opportunity is not rolling but is expected to recur based on mission needs and recovery goals for the black abalone population.

Use standardized methods from prior Navy abalone studies. Review EM 385-1-1 safety manual. Align with NMFS Recovery Plan Action 3.2.4.