Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Pacific Northwest Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) | G25AS00253

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the focus of this USGS funding opportunity?

This opportunity supports controlled research on how the tire-derived pollutant 6PPD-quinone interacts with other tire-related chemicals commonly found in stormwater runoff, and what those combined exposures mean for salmon health. The aim is to clarify whether chemical mixtures create additive or synergistic hazards compared to 6PPD-quinone alone.

Which agency is offering this award?

The award is offered by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), through its Western Fisheries Research Center.

What is 6PPD-quinone and why is it important in this research?

6PPD-quinone is a tire-derived chemical that has been identified as the primary chemical linked to sudden pre-spawn mortality in coho salmon. This mortality phenomenon is widely referred to as Urban Runoff Mortality Syndrome, as reported in Tian et al. 2021 and 2022.

What problem or knowledge gap is the project trying to address?

While 6PPD-quinone has been identified as the causative agent in coho pre-spawn mortality, stormwater contains mixtures of tire-derived compounds. A major knowledge gap remains around whether these mixtures produce additive or synergistic effects that could worsen outcomes beyond what 6PPD-quinone alone would predict.

What type of research is expected under this cooperative agreement?

The work is focused on controlled exposure research designed to clarify hazard relationships from combined exposures to 6PPD-quinone and other tire-derived chemicals present in stormwater runoff.

What are the major research components described in the opportunity?

The opportunity emphasizes (1) survival studies using environmentally measurable concentrations of tire-derived chemicals and (2) sublethal exposure studies that evaluate impacts on relative fitness, such as swim performance testing or closely related physiological performance metrics.

What does "environmentally measurable concentrations" mean in this context?

It means exposure concentrations that reflect what is actually observed in stormwater runoff, rather than unrealistically high laboratory doses. The intention is for test concentrations to be comparable to real-world stormwater measurements.

Is there a requirement related to verifying chemical exposure levels during the study?

Yes. A critical requirement is the capability to verify and confirm chemical concentrations during studies. This is intended to ensure exposure levels are accurate, stable, and defensible when compared to real-world stormwater measurements.

Why is analytical chemistry capability highlighted as important?

The credibility of hazard conclusions depends on demonstrating that test concentrations match realistic environmental conditions. The opportunity description indicates the project will likely require strong analytical chemistry support alongside fish toxicology so concentrations can be confirmed during the experiments.

What kinds of sublethal effects are the studies intended to detect?

The sublethal studies are designed to detect impacts that may not immediately cause death but can still reduce survival and reproductive success in the wild. The opportunity specifically points to endpoints related to relative fitness, including swim performance testing or similar physiological performance metrics.

Why are swim performance or physiological fitness metrics relevant for salmon?

These endpoints can reveal whether chemical mixtures impair endurance, stress tolerance, or overall condition in ways that could reduce a salmon's ability to migrate, avoid predators, or complete spawning, even if short-term exposures do not cause immediate mortality.

What is meant by additive versus synergistic hazards?

Additive hazards occur when the combined effect of multiple chemicals roughly equals what would be expected by summing their individual effects. Synergistic hazards occur when combined exposures produce worse effects than would be predicted from individual chemical effects alone.

How does this opportunity relate to Urban Runoff Mortality Syndrome?

6PPD-quinone is already linked to sudden pre-spawn mortality in coho salmon associated with Urban Runoff Mortality Syndrome. This opportunity extends the focus to stormwater mixtures of tire-derived chemicals to determine whether other compounds change the severity or nature of toxic effects when present with 6PPD-quinone.

What is the funding instrument type?

The instrument type is a Cooperative Agreement.

What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement rather than a typical grant?

A cooperative agreement typically means USGS expects substantial involvement during the project period. The description notes this can include collaboration on study design, data interpretation, coordination, or other joint scientific participation, rather than a fully hands-off relationship.

What program is this opportunity issued under?

This opportunity is issued under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program, which is structured around partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education capacity to federal agencies.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are already participating partners of the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU).

Is eligibility open to non-CESU organizations?

No. Based on the provided information, eligibility is limited to existing participating partners of the Pacific Northwest CESU.

What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?

The award ceiling is $228,000.

What is the application deadline?

The application closing date is 2025-03-11 (original closing date).

What is the funding opportunity title?

The funding opportunity title is "Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Pacific Northwest Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)".

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is G25AS00253.

What is the assistance listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The assistance listing (CFDA) number is 15.808.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is "Science and Technology and other Research and Development".

What is the overall purpose or expected outcome of the funded work?

The overall purpose is to produce actionable science on how 6PPD-quinone and other tire-derived chemicals in stormwater may jointly affect salmon survival and fitness, helping refine hazard characterization for urban runoff exposures.

Does the opportunity specify which salmon species is most directly referenced?

Yes. The description specifically references coho salmon in connection with pre-spawn mortality linked to 6PPD-quinone.

Does the opportunity indicate whether it focuses only on lethal effects?

No. The opportunity includes both lethal (survival) studies and sublethal studies aimed at detecting performance or fitness-related impacts.

Why is focusing on mixtures in stormwater considered important?

The description emphasizes that real stormwater contains mixtures of tire-derived compounds, and understanding mixture effects is necessary to determine whether real-world hazards are greater or different than what single-chemical testing would indicate.