BOEM FY 2020 Environmental Studies Program: Research on Migratory Species Behavior and Interactions

The Environmental Studies Program (ESP) of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is offering a cooperative agreement to complete studies on the movements of low trophic level feeding elasmobranchs, such as Manta birostis.The purpose of this study is to understand movements, site fidelity and behavioral ecology of understudied highly migratory species, such as M. birostris, and the associated risk of interaction with BOEM permitted activities.Innovative methods will be used including, but not limited to: autonomous sensor platforms and improved animal bourne telemetry techniques which can relay data from neighboring animals, and/or which leverage the target species as mobile oceanographic platforms.Under the Use of Cooperative Agreements authority (43 U.S.C. §1457b), to enter into cooperative agreements with a state or political subdivision (including any agency thereof), or any not-for-profit organization.The general goals of this project is to understand movement drivers and site residency and fidelity of M. birostis, as it relates to sand shoals, particularly in the Canaveral Shoals, Florida Atlantic Coast region.Specifically, the objectives of this study are to understand the movement ecology of M. birostis in the US OCS and the impact fine scale behavior has on the risk of interaction with marine mineral activities, especially preventative trawling. Secondary objectives include leveraging animal bourne sensors to improve collection of data relative to biological and oceanographic conditions and well as further understand the range of the target species.Implementation of this study should focus on species which co-occur in the vicinity of BOEM permitted activities. It is recommended that this study be conducted in North/Central Florida Atlantic coast region. On the OCS, between St Augustine and Cape Canaveral, Florida.The total anticipated amount of funding available in FY 2020 is approximately $200,000, with additional funds in subsequent fiscal years, subject to the availability of funds. Although the study proposal may not have a total budget exceeding $400,000 in funds requested from BOEM, the total project budget may exceed this amount when matched with direct funds from another source or in-kind contributions. Matching contributions from the applicant are encouraged but not required. BOEM anticipates making one cooperative agreement award in Fiscal Year 2020 for 1 proposal submitted under this program announcement.Work performance under this award must start by June 1, 2020 and the proposed work must be completed no later than thirty (30) months from the start date. Additional information regarding multi-year proposals is presented in the ¿Multi-Year Proposals.This announcement is specifically to announce intent to undertake the following project:● Spatial and Behavioral Ecology of M. birostis.Open to Piedmont-South Atlanric Coastal Ecosystem Study Unit.No other proposals are requested at this time, although additional opportunities may be announced in the future.