Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
The U.S. Geological Survey seeks a Colorado Plateau university partner to study how drought and dam operations affect Colorado River ecology in the Grand Canyon, including diseases, invasive species, and fish prey.
Funder: U.S. Geological Survey
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (Grants.gov deadline) | December 1, 2026 (NOFO deadline)
Funding Amounts: $475,000 estimated over five years for one cooperative agreement; $125,000 estimated for Year 1
Summary: Supports ecological research and eDNA monitoring tools for the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona.
Key Information: Applicants must be participating partners of the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.
Description
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Southwest Biological Science Center offers this cooperative agreement to one Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) partner. The project promotes continued collaboration between USGS and a university partner on ecological research along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona.
Research will examine how drought and Glen Canyon Dam operations may influence parasites and diseases affecting humans and fish, invasive species, and the aquatic insect prey base for fishes. Work includes developing and validating eDNA detection tools and modeling tools to predict future conditions. The project supports resource management and monitoring of parasites and diseases required as a conservation measure for federally threatened Humpback Chub.
