Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, North Atlantic Coast CESU | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity about?

This is a competitive U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) funding opportunity under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program (North Atlantic Coast CESU). It supports applied research on nutrient dynamics in the nearshore waters of Lake Ontario along New York, with a focus on understanding increasing nuisance algae and related water quality problems.

What problem is the project trying to address?

The project is aimed at improving scientific understanding of why nuisance algae have increased in Lake Ontario's nearshore zone along New York and how those blooms relate to broader water quality issues in the lake.

What is the main research focus?

The opportunity emphasizes studying how nutrient loads entering Lake Ontario from tributaries (rivers and streams feeding the lake) influence nearshore water conditions. Nutrient inputs, including forms of phosphorus and nitrogen, are highlighted as key drivers of algal growth, and nearshore areas may respond differently than offshore waters because they are more directly affected by runoff, shoreline processes, and tributary plumes.

Where will the research take place?

The research focus is the nearshore waters of Lake Ontario along New York.

How is this work expected to be used?

The project is framed as applied research intended to directly inform lake management decisions, including decisions connected to binational planning and monitoring efforts for Lake Ontario.

How does this opportunity relate to previous studies?

A central goal is to build on earlier nearshore investigations conducted in 2008 that supported the U.S. and Canadian Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP).

Is the project expected to coordinate with other monitoring efforts?

Yes. The proposed research is expected to align with and complement monitoring taking place in 2013, including LaMP offshore monitoring and research and USGS enhanced tributary monitoring in the Lake Ontario basin. The intent is for the nearshore work to fit into a larger coordinated monitoring picture.

Does the project need to be integrated with offshore and tributary data?

Yes. The opportunity description indicates the project is not meant to stand alone; it is intended to add nearshore-focused science that helps explain patterns observed offshore and in tributary inputs, including connections between tributary nutrient delivery, nearshore biological responses, and water quality indicators.

What type of award is being offered?

The opportunity was issued as a discretionary financial assistance award using a cooperative agreement.

What does a cooperative agreement imply for this project?

A cooperative agreement typically implies meaningful involvement by USGS during the project, such as coordination on study design, ensuring data comparability, or integrating the work with ongoing monitoring efforts.

How many awards were expected?

Only one award was expected under this announcement.

What is the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount was $190,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement was listed for this opportunity.

What is the CFDA number associated with this funding?

The funding falls under CFDA 15.808, titled "U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection."

How is this opportunity categorized?

It is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility was limited to organizations that are active partners in the North Atlantic Coast CESU program.

Are non-CESU organizations eligible?

No. Applicants not affiliated with the relevant CESU partnership would not be eligible under this announcement.

What is a CESU in the context of this opportunity?

CESUs are structured partnerships designed to link federal agencies with universities, non-profits, and other research organizations to deliver research, technical assistance, and education tied to resource management needs.

What is the funding opportunity number and title?

The funding opportunity number is G13AS00011, and the title is "Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, North Atlantic Coast CESU."

When was the opportunity posted?

The posting date was November 26, 2012.

What was the application closing date?

The application closing date was December 7, 2012.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was later archived on February 26, 2013.

Where was the announcement hosted?

The general announcement was hosted through Grants.gov.

Who is the listed contact for questions or access issues?

The contact listed was Faith Graves at the USGS. Phone: 703-648-7356. Email: fgraves@usgs.gov.

What geographic and program context does the opportunity mention?

The opportunity is tied to Lake Ontario nearshore waters along New York and references coordination with binational planning and monitoring efforts, including work supporting the U.S. and Canadian Lake Ontario Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP).

What kinds of environmental drivers are specifically called out?

The description specifically calls out nutrient inputs (particularly forms of phosphorus and nitrogen) entering the lake via tributaries as drivers that can influence algal growth and nearshore water conditions.