Marine Mammal and Habitat Monitoring-Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Prey at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER)
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, is seeking Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit partners for a cooperative agreement to monitor marine mammals and habitat related to Cook Inlet beluga whale prey at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) for the U.S. Air Force. The work supports a multi-year study to inform JBER’s environmental management and the recovery of the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale population, including activities such as characterizing ice conditions, monitoring underwater acoustics, determining beluga presence and movement, and collecting eDNA samples. This opportunity is limited to CESU members in the Alaska and Pacific Northwest units and is being awarded under the Sikes Act, with substantial DoD involvement expected; the base period is 18 months and follow-on periods may be available subject to funding. Statements of Interest are due May 4, 2026, with approximately $522,500 available for the base period, and responses and questions should be sent to the listed grantor contacts.
Eligible Applicants
This funding opportunity is ONLY available for Cooperative Ecosystem Study Units under the ALASKA and PACIFIC NORTHWEST UNITS. This project will be awarded under the authority of 16 USC 670c-1, Sikes Act: For projects for the implementation and enforcement of integrated natural resources management plans, priority shall be given to award to Federal and State agencies having responsibility for the conservation or management of fish or wildlife.