Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
USGS is funding research with a partner to study how PFAS chemicals accumulate in fish, aiming to improve the safety of U.S. sport fisheries.
Funder: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Due Dates: January 6, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
Funding Amounts: Up to $49,297 total for a 1-year project; 1 award anticipated.
Summary: Supports research by a Great Lakes Northern Forest CESU partner to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving PFAS accumulation in fish, with implications for fisheries management and environmental health.
Key Information: Only institutions already partnered with the Great Lakes Northern Forest CESU are eligible.
Description
This opportunity provides funding for a partner institution of the Great Lakes Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) to conduct research on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) accumulation in fish. The focus is on elucidating the molecular and genomic mechanisms that drive PFAS bioaccumulation and understanding their physiological and microbiome impacts on wild and farmed fish. The research aims to address urgent concerns about PFAS contamination in U.S. surface waters and fisheries, supporting efforts to safeguard public health and natural resources.
Research objectives include:
- Determining the molecular mechanisms and physiological effects of PFAS accumulation in fish tissues.
- Investigating the relationship between PFAS exposure and changes in fish microbiomes, including potential microbial transformation of PFAS compounds.
The project is expected to generate actionable data for fisheries management and contribute to the broader understanding of environmental contaminants in aquatic systems.
