Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (CIBW) Prey, Salmon Productivity Monitoring at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER)
This grant supports monitoring salmon productivity as prey for Cook Inlet Beluga Whales at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, with an initial 18-month term and possible extensions.
Funder: Fort Worth District
Due Dates: September 10, 2026: Statement of Interest (SOI) submission deadline
Funding Amounts: Award floor: $167,897 | Award ceiling: $1,326,101 | Base period: 18 months, possible 6 follow-on periods (18 months each)
Summary: Supports research to monitor prey species and salmon productivity for endangered Cook Inlet Beluga Whales at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
Key Information: Only CESU members in Alaska, Rocky Mountain, or Pacific Northwest regions are eligible; NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment is required.
Description
This opportunity seeks Statements of Interest (SOIs) for a cooperative agreement to monitor prey species and salmon productivity in waters at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska—critical habitat for the endangered Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (CIBW). The project aims to characterize fish species composition, document temporal patterns in prey availability, integrate with regional environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, and establish long-term protocols to inform management decisions and support CIBW recovery. Substantial collaboration with the U.S. Air Force and regional partners is expected throughout the project.
