Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
The Geological Survey seeks a Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit partner to assess in-situ fluorometry for detecting invasive carp milt in rivers downstream from spawning sites.
Funder: Geological Survey
Due Dates: December 7, 2026 (Applications, 11:59 p.m. ET)
Funding Amounts: $1–$300,000 per award; one anticipated four-year project, with $34,000 estimated for Year 1
Summary: Supports research on in-situ fluorometry to detect invasive carp spawning and develop a prototype river-monitoring sensor.
Key Information: Applicants must be participating partners of the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.
Description
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seeks a Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) partner to assess whether in-situ fluorometry can detect invasive carp milt (seminal fluid) downstream from river spawning sites. The research aims to move this technology from proof of concept toward a relatively low-cost, continuous monitoring system that could provide real-time spawning alerts for managers in the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins.
The project will characterize fluorescence properties and detection limits of invasive carp milt, compare native species with similar spawning periods, and investigate effects of time and turbidity. If feasible, the partner will develop and field-test a prototype sensor against traditional ichthyoplankton sampling and emerging technologies such as environmental DNA. Goals include publishing results and data, patenting novel designs as necessary, and transferring technology to public and private partners.
