Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), Great Rivers CESU | G19AS00073

Opportunity Information: Apply for G19AS00073

This funding opportunity (G19AS00073) is a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) award under the Great Rivers CESU, administered through the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC). It supports science and technology research and development through a cooperative agreement, with a single anticipated award up to $120,000. The opportunity was posted July 8, 2019, with an original application deadline of July 22, 2019, and is tied to CFDA 15.808. Eligibility is limited to CESU partners (with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement under the eligibility section).

The project focus is genetic sequencing work to develop effective single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for the endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). Pallid sturgeon are federally listed as endangered and are the subject of intensive recovery programs, particularly in large river systems where management decisions depend heavily on correctly identifying individuals and understanding population structure. A central conservation problem addressed by this grant is hybridization with the more abundant, closely related shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus). This hybridization and resulting genetic introgression were significant enough to contribute to the pallid sturgeon being listed, and they continue to complicate recovery actions.

The announcement highlights that existing genetic and morphometric tools become less reliable in parts of the species range where introgression is highest, especially farther downstream in the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Prior analyses indicate that the degree of introgression tends to increase with downstream distance, which creates a practical challenge: in the downstream portion of the range, it can be difficult to confidently distinguish genetically "pure" pallid sturgeon from hybrids, and it can also be difficult to separate and evaluate potentially important geographically distinct populations. Those uncertainties matter for conservation because misidentification can affect broodstock selection, hatchery propagation strategies, monitoring results, enforcement related to protected status, and the design of population-specific recovery actions.

To address these gaps, the proposed research is intended to apply newer and more powerful DNA sequencing approaches to map genetic variation across pallid sturgeon more accurately and at a much finer scale than is currently possible. The core deliverable implied by the description is the development of thousands of additional SNP markers. Having a large, well-validated panel of markers can improve the ability to detect subtle introgression, assign individuals to local or regional genetic groupings, and identify the sources and distribution of population variation. In practical terms, this kind of marker development can strengthen tools used by managers and researchers to quantify the hybridization threat, improve the accuracy of field and lab identifications, and better understand the evolutionary relationship between pallid and shovelnose sturgeon, including questions related to divergence and speciation.

Overall, the grant is a targeted, single-project research investment meant to upgrade the genetic toolkit available for pallid sturgeon recovery in the Missouri and Mississippi River basins. By enabling more precise identification and population discrimination in areas where hybridization is most prevalent, the work aims to reduce uncertainty in management decisions and provide a clearer picture of how hybridization is affecting the species across its range.

• 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 Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU), Great Rivers CESU" 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 08, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 22, 2019. (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 $120,000.00 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 G19AS00073

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