Simpler Grants.gov #W81EWF-26-SOI-00005

Muskellunge Stocking and Management Study for Iowa Lakes and Reservoirs

The US Army Corps of Engineers' Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is seeking a non-federal partner from the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU) to conduct a multi-year study on Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) stocking and management in Iowa lakes and reservoirs. - Government Buyer: - US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) - Eligible Applicants: - Only non-federal partners of the Great Rivers CESU are eligible - Products and Services Requested: - Research services to evaluate and optimize Muskellunge stocking and management strategies - Comparison of traditional pond rearing vs. recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) - Use of scientific equipment for fish tracking, including: - Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags - Acoustic transmitters - Radio transmitters - Population dynamics analysis, habitat sampling, and fisheries surveys - Assessment of barrier installations to reduce fish escapement - Project management and coordination under the Planning Assistance to States Program - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with all environmental and animal research regulations - Recipient must obtain all necessary permits and licenses - Study will inform updates to the Iowa Muskellunge Management Plan and develop a transferable fisheries management framework - Place of performance includes Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery, Rathbun Fish Hatchery, and USACE-managed reservoirs in Iowa - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named; focus is on research services and scientific equipment for fish tracking and habitat analysis

Description

This solicitation seeks applications for a study to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of Muskellunge stocking in Iowa's lakes and reservoirs, including those managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The study will assess different culture methods, including traditional pond rearing and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), to improve survival rates and optimize stocking strategies. Tasks include tagging and monitoring Muskellunge populations, habitat sampling, fisheries surveys, and project management under the Planning Assistance to States Program. The goal is to enhance recreational fishing opportunities, inform the revision of Iowa's Muskellunge Management Plan, and develop a transferable framework for fisheries management nationwide.

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