Aquatic Fauna Response to Ecosystem Restoration in Southwest Florida
This grant supports research on how aquatic animals in Southwest Florida respond to ecosystem restoration, with an initial 12-month period and possible extensions.
Funder: Fort Worth District
Due Dates: October 12, 2026: Statement of Interest (SOI) deadline
Funding Amounts: $300,000–$1,925,000 total; 12-month base period with up to four 12-month follow-on periods, subject to funding
Summary: Supports research on aquatic fauna response to ecosystem restoration in Southwest Florida under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).
Key Information: Only CESU members in Gulf Coast, Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast, or South Florida-Caribbean regions are eligible.
Description
This opportunity seeks qualified investigators to study the response of aquatic fauna to ecosystem restoration activities in Southwest Florida, specifically as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The project will assess how aquatic fauna communities (fish, crayfish, amphibians) respond to hydrological restoration, providing essential data for evaluating the effectiveness of CERP and informing adaptive management. Work includes field sampling, data analysis, and reporting, with strong collaboration between the recipient and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The project’s findings will contribute to system-wide assessments and help guide restoration strategies for the Everglades ecosystem.
