Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
The U.S. Geological Survey seeks a Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit partner to study inland recreational fisheries harvest, consumption, economic value, and vulnerability.
Funder: U.S. Geological Survey
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (Applications, 11:59 p.m. ET)
Funding Amounts: $200,000 total for one anticipated three-year cooperative agreement; award range $1–$200,000
Summary: Supports research on inland recreational fisheries harvest, consumption, economic value, and species vulnerability to inform adaptive management.
Key Information: Applicants must be participating partners of the Chesapeake Watershed Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.
Description
The U.S. Geological Survey’s National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Center offers a competitive research cooperative agreement examining recreational fisheries as food systems. The project addresses the nutritional and economic benefits of inland recreational fisheries and the need for updated, regionally relevant information for federal and state fisheries managers.
Research will update global estimates of recreational fisheries harvest, consumption, and economic value; refine species-specific vulnerability assessments using physiological, ecological, and environmental exposure data; and connect vulnerability with U.S. harvest and consumption patterns. Using emerging fine-scale datasets, including Creel Cat, the work should support adaptive management, monitoring priorities, nutritional benefits, and fisheries resilience. The program emphasizes actionable science, transparent research, responsible resource stewardship, and sustained recreational fishing access.
