RASU BONY Predator Recognition | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the RASU BONY Predator Recognition grant opportunity?

The RASU BONY Predator Recognition grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number R12SF30007) was a Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region cooperative agreement. The project focus was improving the survival of two native, imperiled fish species after they are stocked into the wild by testing predator-recognition training methods.

Which agency and region offered this opportunity?

This opportunity was offered by the Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region.

What type of award was it?

It was a cooperative agreement and was categorized as a discretionary award within the natural resources activity area.

Which fish species were the focus of the project?

The project focused on bonytail (Gila elegans) and razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus).

What problem was the project trying to solve?

The project aimed to address high post-stocking mortality from predation. Hatchery-reared fish can be predator naive, meaning they have not learned the signals that indicate danger, which can make them more vulnerable after release.

What does "predator naive" mean in this context?

In this context, predator naive refers to hatchery-reared fish that have not learned to recognize predator-related signals and therefore may not show appropriate anti-predator behaviors when introduced into environments with predators.

What was the core idea behind the proposed training approach?

The proposal was to test whether exposing bonytail and razorback sucker to a fish alarm substance (a chemical cue associated with injury or threat) would trigger a measurable fright response in the presence of predators, and whether that response could be used as a training method to help the fish recognize and avoid predators later.

What is a fish alarm substance, as described in the opportunity?

A fish alarm substance was described as a chemical cue associated with injury or threat that can trigger anti-predator behavior in many fish.

How did this opportunity describe earlier predator-recognition training methods?

It noted that earlier research often relied on indirect or limited predator cues, such as predator models or live predators placed in adjacent tanks separated from the prey fish. These approaches can restrict the range of sensory information available to the prey fish.

How was this project’s predator exposure approach different?

This opportunity emphasized exposing the prey fish to as many realistic predator cues as possible. The rationale was that more effective training could come from interaction with a normally behaving predator in the same tank environment (and potentially later in pond settings), rather than relying on indirect cues.

How could predators be placed in the same tank without consuming endangered fish?

The project described using a specialized technique: applying botulinum toxin to temporarily paralyze the predator’s jaw-opening muscles. This was intended to reduce the predator’s ability to strike and eat prey while still allowing the predator to provide authentic cues such as movement, posture, orientation, and general presence.

What predator cues were considered important for training, based on the description?

The description highlighted cues such as predator movement, posture, orientation, and general presence, along with the broader concept of providing as many realistic predator cues as possible.

Was the project limited to tank studies?

The description referenced interaction with predators in the same tank environment and noted that this could potentially be extended later into pond settings.

What was the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number was R12SF30007.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

It was posted on March 6, 2012. The original closing date and the final closing date were both March 19, 2012.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on April 18, 2012.

How many awards were expected?

A single award was expected.

What was the total estimated funding amount?

The estimated total funding was $245,000.

What were the award floor and award ceiling?

Both the award floor and the award ceiling were listed as $245,000.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity stated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.

What CFDA program number was associated with this funding?

The CFDA program number associated with the funding was 15.538, Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was listed as unrestricted in general terms. However, the announcement also stated it was a notice of intent to award and that no competition was being sought, indicating the agency anticipated making a directed award rather than conducting an open competitive selection.

Was this a competitive grant opportunity?

No. The announcement explicitly stated it was a notice of intent to award and that no competition was being sought.

What does "notice of intent to award" mean here?

Based on the description provided, it means the agency anticipated making a directed award rather than running an open competitive process.

Who was the grants officer contact listed for access issues?

The listed grants officer contact for access issues was Shawna Thompson.

How can the grants officer contact be reached?

Shawna Thompson could be reached at 702-293-8570 or smthompson@usbr.gov.