Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests | G18AS00102

Opportunity Information: Apply for G18AS00102

The Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU) Great Lakes Northern Forests funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number G18AS00102) is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) discretionary grant offered through a cooperative agreement mechanism. It was published by the Department of the Interior, USGS, with an original posting date of July 31, 2018 and an application deadline of August 14, 2018. USGS anticipated making a single award under this announcement, with a maximum award amount (ceiling) of $41,371.

The central purpose of the award is to support research that develops practical diagnostic tools and methodologies to investigate and respond to recent die-offs of unionid mussels (native freshwater mussels). The opportunity frames these mussels as ecologically critical organisms because they function as keystone species in freshwater systems. In addition to their role as "ecosystem engineers" that can improve habitat conditions for other organisms, they are also used as indicator species, meaning their health and presence can provide early warning signals about broader ecosystem condition and water quality trends.

The problem the USGS is trying to address is that, despite ongoing conservation actions such as captive propagation, relocation, monitoring programs, and efforts to reduce habitat loss, large-scale mussel mortality events have continued and are severely affecting already imperiled populations. The notice emphasizes that one major gap in existing conservation work is limited attention to disease as a driver of freshwater mussel declines. In other words, the agency is pointing out that while habitat and management interventions are common, the potential contribution of infectious disease or other health-related causes has been comparatively underexplored, even as die-offs persist.

Eligibility is limited to CESU partners under the Great Lakes Northern Forests CESU network, with the listing indicating "Others" and directing applicants to consult the opportunity's additional eligibility information for the specific clarification. The activity falls under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development category, and is associated with CFDA 15.808, which is a USGS assistance program identifier used for federal grant tracking and reporting. Overall, this is a targeted, relatively small, single-award research effort intended to strengthen the scientific and diagnostic capacity needed to identify causes of unionid mussel die-offs and improve the ability of managers and researchers to respond effectively.

• The Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit, Great Lakes Northern Forests" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.808.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jul 31, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 14, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $41,371.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for G18AS00102

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