The Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Alaska Science Center, supports research to estimate polar bear abundance for the Southern Beaufort Sea and Northern Beaufort Sea subpopulations and to conduct a harvest risk assessment for the Southern Beaufort Sea subpopulation. The southern Beaufort Sea subpopulation has experienced a declining trend, while the abundance estimate for the Northern Beaufort Sea subpopulation is outdated, creating a need for new estimates. The Southern Beaufort Sea subpopulation is also exposed to anthropogenic activities that may present mortality risks and affect the sustainability of subsistence harvest. The project will apply a recently developed integrated population model (IPM) that blends western science with Indigenous Knowledge to estimate abundances and characterize harvest risk. USGS will make available more than 20 years of data on polar bear population dynamics for the analysis.

Funding and Benefits

• Program Funding: $180,000
• Expected Number of Awards: 1
• Award Minimum: $1
• Award Maximum: $180,000
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
• Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement
• Assistance Listing: 15.808 – U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection

Eligibility

This financial assistance opportunity is issued under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. Eligible applicant categories include Other (miscellaneous).

Application Process

Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM, ET, on the listed application due date. Applicants must attach required documents including biographical sketches, current and pending support, a project abstract summary, and geospatial data instructions as specified in the opportunity documents.

Deadline and Timeline

Closing Date: May 20, 2026 (submissions due by 11:59 PM ET)

Posted Date: March 25, 2026

Funding Opportunity Number: G26AS00099

Contact Information

Grantor Contact: RACHEL MILLER
Email: rachelmiller@usgs.gov

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