Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G21AS00501

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity about?

This opportunity supports research to test whether an oblique bubble screen system can function as a true two-way dispersal barrier for invasive carp in river systems. The project is focused on generating laboratory-based evidence on whether the same barrier approach can address both (1) downstream-moving early life stages (eggs and larvae drifting with the current) and (2) upstream-moving adult carp that actively swim and may be highly motivated to pass through deterrent systems.

Why does the barrier need to work in two directions?

The core problem described in the opportunity is that a barrier is only fully useful if it works in both directions. In river systems, eggs and larvae can drift downstream with river flow, while adult fish may actively swim upstream. A one-way or life-stage-specific barrier would leave an important pathway for spread open, so the research is aimed at evaluating a barrier concept intended to address both dispersal modes.

What is an oblique bubble screen in the context of this research?

In this opportunity, an oblique bubble screen refers to a bubble-based barrier system positioned at an angle (obliquely) relative to the flow. The research emphasis is on whether this configuration can redirect drifting material (invasive carp eggs and larvae) toward a collection or removal area, while also serving to deter or prevent adult carp from moving upstream.

What specific biological life stages are being targeted?

The opportunity explicitly targets two different challenges: (1) invasive carp eggs and larvae that drift downstream with the current, and (2) adult carp that move upstream under their own power and may attempt to locate routes through, around, or over a deterrent system.

What is the main research focus described in the listing?

The central research focus is evaluating how well an oblique bubble screen can redirect and capture invasive carp eggs and larvae as they move downstream. The barrier is expected to do more than simply block drift; it must steer drifting early life stages into a location where they can be collected or removed.

Does the opportunity also address adult carp moving upstream?

Yes. The opportunity states the barrier must also prevent or deter upstream passage by adult carp. This is framed as a distinct biological and engineering challenge because adult carp can actively seek pathways and may be highly motivated to pass through deterrent systems.

Is the intent to prove the bubble screen works for all invasive carp species?

The USGS states interest in a barrier that could work for all four major invasive carp species in the United States. However, the laboratory testing emphasized in this opportunity is expected to concentrate on grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), based on practicality and the desire to build directly on prior experiments and findings referenced in the listing (Prada et al. 2018 and 2020).

Why is grass carp the primary species emphasized for laboratory testing?

The rationale provided is both practical and strategic: the work is intended to build directly on previous experiments and findings (Prada et al. 2018 and 2020), and grass carp are currently the only invasive carp species confirmed to be actively reproducing in the Great Lakes Basin. Active reproduction increases urgency because it indicates the species can sustain local populations.

What is the overall goal of the research supported by this grant?

The goal is to produce actionable laboratory-based evidence about whether oblique bubble screens can serve as an integrated two-way barrier technology. The intended management value is reducing the spread and establishment of invasive carp by addressing both downstream drifting early life stages and upstream-moving adults.

What type of award is being offered?

This is a discretionary financial assistance award using a cooperative agreement. The listing indicates that, under this arrangement, the USGS anticipates substantial involvement with the recipient during the project (for example, coordinating on study design, methods, deliverables, or interpretation).

What does "substantial involvement" by USGS mean for this project?

Based on the listing, substantial involvement may include coordination between USGS and the recipient on elements such as study design, methods, deliverables, and interpretation. The opportunity is structured so the federal agency is expected to be engaged during the project rather than only receiving final reports.

Which federal agency is offering the funding?

The funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior.

What program is this opportunity associated with?

The opportunity is issued under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program and is limited to partners in the Great Rivers CESU.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are official partners in the Great Rivers CESU. The listing describes this as consistent with the CESU model, where federal agencies collaborate with a defined network of partner institutions to deliver applied research, technical assistance, and education supporting resource management needs.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" activity category.

What is the CFDA number associated with this grant?

The listing associates the opportunity with CFDA number 15.808.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is G21AS00501.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $245,000.

When was the opportunity created?

The listing indicates the opportunity was created on April 28, 2021.

What was the original closing date?

The original closing date listed for this opportunity is May 19, 2021.

Is this research described as laboratory-based or field-based?

The opportunity emphasizes laboratory testing and is designed to produce laboratory-based evidence regarding barrier performance, particularly for redirecting and capturing drifting eggs and larvae while also deterring upstream-moving adults.

What problem in river systems is this research trying to solve?

The research targets a key dispersal challenge in river systems: early life stages (eggs and larvae) are often carried downstream by flow, while adult carp can actively move upstream. The opportunity is designed to evaluate whether one barrier technology (an oblique bubble screen) can address both pathways effectively, rather than serving as only a one-way or life-stage-specific control tool.

How is success framed in the opportunity description?

Success is framed as producing evidence that an oblique bubble screen can operate as an integrated, two-way dispersal barrier: redirecting and capturing drifting eggs and larvae for collection/removal and preventing or deterring upstream passage of adult carp.

Why is there urgency mentioned for this work?

The listing notes urgency because grass carp are the only invasive carp species confirmed to be actively reproducing in the Great Lakes Basin, meaning populations can sustain locally. This makes effective containment and dispersal control more important.