The Evaluation of Muskellunge Management and Stocking Strategies in Iowa supports a comprehensive study of Muskellunge stocking effectiveness and efficiency within Iowa’s lakes and reservoirs, including those managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This research directly addresses the USACE’s interest in optimizing recreational fisheries management and aims to refine Muskellunge culture methods and stocking policies to enhance angler success and sustainability. Findings will inform the revision of Iowa’s Muskellunge Management Plan and establish a transferable framework for improving stocking outcomes in USACE reservoirs and similar water bodies nationwide.

Overview

Administered by the Engineer Research and Development Center under Assistance Listing 12.630 — Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering, this opportunity funds a cooperative agreement for a multi‑task study. The research will evaluate population dynamics, system‑specific criteria for optimized fisheries, and project management through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) program. The primary purpose is to assess Muskellunge survival, movement, habitat use, and escapement, and to develop a Comprehensive Plan for Muskellunge stocking in Iowa.

Funding and Benefits

• Program Funding: $446,000
• Expected Awards: 1
• Award Maximum: $155,000
• Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
• Opportunity Category: Discretionary
• Category of Funding Activity: Science, Technology, and Other Research and Development

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants: Other (Miscellaneous)

Additional Information: This opportunity is restricted to non‑federal partners of the Great Rivers Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (CESU).

Research Activities

The study comprises three main tasks:

• Task 1 – Population Dynamics: Tag all Muskellunge with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags; some will also receive acoustic or radio transmitters. Treatment groups include traditionally raised fish, RAS‑raised fish fed pellets, and RAS‑raised fish fed live forage prior to stocking. Post‑stocking survival, movement, behavior, and habitat use will be monitored using acoustic receiver arrays and manual tracking. Escapement will be examined using various tag types in systems of different sizes and outlet designs. Findings will guide barrier installations and improve fish retention.
• Task 2 – System‑Specific Criteria for Optimized Muskellunge Fisheries: Conduct habitat sampling and fisheries surveys across Iowa lakes and reservoirs, including USACE‑managed sites. Identify environmental and ecological factors affecting Muskellunge populations (water quality, habitat structure, prey availability). Assess feasibility of barriers to reduce escapement. Data will form the basis for a Comprehensive Plan for Muskellunge stocking in Iowa, updating the 2014 Iowa Muskellunge Management Plan.
• Task 3 – Project Management & CESU Management: USACE will manage the project under the Planning Assistance to States Program guidelines. Stakeholder meetings will review progress, budgets, and study developments. The Iowa DNR and the CESU contract awardee will jointly conduct the evaluation. The Iowa DNR will document match contributions (in‑kind labor) and submit an annual report to the Corps by October 15 each year covering July through June.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Interested applicants should refer to the full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for detailed instructions. The opportunity number is W81EWF-26-SOI-0005.

Deadline and Timeline

• Closing Date: June 29, 2026
• Posted Date: April 29, 2026
• Archive Date: July 29, 2026

Contact Information

Grantor Contact: Kisha Craig, Contract Specialist
Phone: 601-634-5397
Email: kisha.m.craig@usace.army.mil