The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Great Lakes Science Center has announced a funding opportunity under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program. This project seeks to investigate the growth and diet of alewife in nearshore environments of Lake Michigan to understand how these factors influence survival at the larval stage and population recruitment. By sampling regions with differing trophic productivity in a single year, researchers aim to identify lake-wide patterns in larval production and develop hypotheses on mechanisms driving recruitment variability.

The project has three main objectives: to conduct ichthyoplankton, zooplankton, and water quality sampling in Lake Michigan’s southeastern nearshore areas during the summer of 2025; to analyze abiotic and biotic factors, larval fish density, diet, and growth; and to identify potential drivers affecting these parameters. One award is expected for the base year, with possible renewals for up to four additional years. The initial funding is $96,305, with work starting around May 1, 2025, and concluding by April 30, 2030, contingent on satisfactory progress and funding availability.

Applicants must be CESU partners within the Great Lakes Northern Forests program. Proposals should be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and include detailed narratives outlining the research problem, objectives, methods, expected products, and dissemination plans. Budget details must address salaries, fringe benefits, equipment, travel, and other direct costs, adhering to CESU-negotiated indirect cost rates of 17.5 percent. A data management plan is required, detailing data sharing and archiving protocols per USGS guidelines.

The application review process will assess purpose, objectives, technical approach, budget justification, and the qualifications and past performance of the applicant. Scoring criteria assign equal weight to these factors, with evaluations conducted by USGS technical personnel. Selected recipients will manage daily project operations, ensure compliance with federal requirements, and submit annual and final reports documenting technical and financial progress.

Recipients must adhere to strict reporting and publication requirements, including acknowledgment of USGS support and compliance with data dissemination policies. Payments will be processed through the Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) system. Terms and conditions are specified under DOI and USGS guidelines. Additional guidance is available through the CESU Contract Specialist listed in the announcement.