Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G24AS00358

Opportunity Information: Apply for G24AS00358

The US Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a discretionary cooperative agreement (Funding Opportunity Number G24AS00358) through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, specifically limited to organizations that are active partners in the Gulf Coast CESU. The project centers on a prevention-focused invasive species problem: once aquatic invasive species (AIS) become established, eradication is uncommon, so the most effective and cost-saving approach is to stop new introductions before they occur. USGS is targeting an invasion pathway that has not always received enough attention, the unintended transport of non-native organisms that "hitchhike" on imported aquatic plants, algae, and even the packaging materials used to ship them for the aquarium and ornamental trade.

The core research goal is to assess currently imported aquatic plants and algae for the presence of hitchhiking taxa and to identify the conditions that make hitchhiker introductions more likely. A key hypothesis built into the opportunity is that the structural complexity of many popular aquarium and ornamental macrophytes can hide small animals and other organisms in their tight spaces, reducing detection during routine handling and inspections. The 2021 Marimo moss ball incident is used as a clear example of this risk, when Marimo products (Aegagropila linnaei) were found contaminated with live zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) along with other exotic organisms, showing how a seemingly harmless retail product can move high-impact invaders into new areas.

Methodologically, the work is intended to be lab-based and empirical: investigators would obtain imported plants, algae, and associated packaging, then systematically examine them to document what organisms are present. Beyond simply producing a species list, the project is expected to analyze factors that influence hitchhiker occurrence and transport risk, such as the plant or algae species involved (and their structural complexity), packaging types and materials, country of origin, vendor sources, and shipping or handling practices. Because the aquarium and ornamental trade is global and products move widely across the United States, USGS notes that the effort should be "landscape" in nature, meaning the findings should be broadly applicable rather than tied to one local watershed or region.

The deliverables are described in practical, management-oriented terms. The main products include a consolidated list of hitchhikers found on common imported aquatic plants and algae, paired with an assessment of which plants, regions, packaging approaches, and trade or shipping factors are most likely to serve as vectors for unintended introductions. The broader purpose is to generate actionable prevention intelligence that can support national-scale invasive species risk reduction, potentially informing screening, best practices for importers and retailers, and management attention toward higher-risk products or pathways.

Administratively, this is a cooperative agreement (not a standard grant), which typically indicates substantial involvement or collaboration with the federal agency during the project. The award ceiling is $150,000 under CFDA 15.808, and the opportunity was created on 2024-05-02 with an original closing date of 2024-06-03. Eligibility is restricted to "Other" applicants who are verified participants in the Gulf Coast CESU partnership network, reflecting the CESU model of linking federal science needs with qualified research, technical assistance, and education partners.

• The Geological Survey in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit" 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 2024-05-02.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-03. (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 $150,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for G24AS00358

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