Harmful Algal Bloom Innovation Challenge: Toxin Detection in Seafood
NOAA is seeking proposals for innovative, cost-effective technologies to detect harmful algal bloom toxins in seafood, aiming to improve seafood safety and support the U.S. seafood industry.
Funder: DOC NOAA - ERA Production
Due Dates: April 14, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | May 14, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $100,000–$250,000/year per project (up to $750,000/project over 1–3 years); estimated total program funding: $1,000,000; 2–5 awards expected.
Summary: Supports development of innovative, cost-effective point-of-use technologies for detecting harmful algal bloom toxins in seafood to enhance safety, security, and competitiveness of U.S. seafood.
Key Information: Letter of Intent required by April 14, 2026; full application by May 14, 2026; no cost-sharing required.
Description
This opportunity, offered by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Competitive Research Program, seeks proposals that advance practical, effective, and affordable technologies for detecting harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins in seafood. The goal is to promote seafood safety, food security, and the economic success of U.S. seafood industries, while reducing costs to communities and industries that depend on safe seafood. Projects must focus on developing or improving point-of-use detection methods for HAB toxins, addressing both scientific innovation and end-user needs such as increased portability, reduced cost, or improved accessibility for regulatory and non-regulatory users.
Research may include adapting existing technologies for greater speed or portability, validating new or existing methods, or developing novel detection platforms. Collaboration with resource managers, industry, and other stakeholders is encouraged, and proposals should clearly identify the toxins targeted and intended users of the technology.
