Great Lakes Biology Monitoring Program: Zooplankton, Mysis, and Benthic Invertebrate Components

Background
The Great Lakes Biology Monitoring Program (GLBMP) is part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Action Plan IV, overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program aims to monitor water quality and ecosystem health in the Great Lakes by establishing a surveillance network as mandated by the Clean Water Act.

The GLBMP focuses on assessing lower food web indicators, including zooplankton, Mysis, and benthic invertebrates, to inform fisheries and habitat management and assess impacts from invasive species.

Grant Details
The grant will support sample collection and analyses for zooplankton, Mysis, and benthic invertebrate components of the GLBMP. Key tasks include:
1) Collecting zooplankton, Mysis, and benthic invertebrate samples from designated stations across all five Great Lakes during spring and summer from 2027 to 2031;
2) Analyzing community composition and biomass;
3) Performing statistical analysis and reporting results;
4) Evaluating artificial intelligence approaches for community assessments;
5) Conducting lake-specific studies coinciding with the Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI);
6) Ensuring data management and quality assurance throughout the project.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include Indian Tribes, State & Local Governments, Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), and Nonprofit organizations. Applicants must demonstrate capability in analyzing zooplankton, Mysis, and benthic invertebrate communities. Applications must address activities within the Great Lakes Basin and not exceed $8.1 million in funding requests. Only one application per applicant is allowed.

Period of Performance
The project period is expected to span from January 1, 2027, to March 31, 2033.

Grant Value
$8.1 million total funding available for one cooperative agreement over approximately six years.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be conducted across the Great Lakes Basin.