Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The USGS is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research to develop an enhanced gene expression panel with the ability to differentiate among several unique stressors that can potentially affect population and ecosystem health. This research will contribute to the development of ecosystem monitoring programs. Focal species include Californian sea lions, sea otters, salmon, longfin smelt, mussels, and clams. This project directly supports Department of the Interior and Administration priorities related to ecosystem resilience, restoration, public health preparedness, and scientific integrity. Specifically, the proposed work aligns with Executive Order (EO) 14303 – Restoring Gold Standard Science (May 23, 2025); and Secretarial Order (SO) 3399 Department-Wide Approach to the Climate Crisis and Data-Driven Decision-Making. The project will generate actionable scientific information to support management decisions, early warning systems, and ecosystem recovery efforts.

This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program. CESU's are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.