Assessing biophysical processes for coastal ecosystem restorationproject dates: 2 4 2026 through 2 3 2030AWARD purpose: this project aims to better understand how invasive and nuisance species, like…

The U.S. Geological Survey awarded a Cooperative Agreement of $164,501.71 to Michigan State University on February 4, 2026, under the U.S. Geological Survey Research and Data Collection program (CFDA 15.808) to assess biophysical processes affecting Great Lakes coastal ecosystem restoration.

Michigan State University will conduct fieldwork in nearshore areas of the Great Lakes to study water quality, biological communities, and ecosystem health, with particular focus on invasive and nuisance species including Cladophora algae and zebra quagga mussels. The project team will deploy acoustic Doppler devices, particle counters, light sensors, and water quality sensors to measure physical and chemical conditions. Researchers will employ environmental DNA and high-throughput DNA sequencing to detect and track key species—native fish, harmful algae, microbes, and macroinvertebrates—and to model ecosystem changes and species recovery from extreme weather. Laboratory work will support species restoration efforts led by the National Park Service, including native mussel population restoration. The team will develop and validate DNA-based assays and provide scuba-based support for underwater operations.

Performance of work takes place in Michigan. The period of performance runs from February 4, 2026, through February 3, 2030. The program supports research complementary to USGS efforts in examination of biological resources and products of the national domain.

Activities

Project staff will carry out fieldwork in the nearshore areas of the great lakes to study water quality, biological communities, and ecosystem health. This will involve deploying a variety of instruments, including acoustic doppler devices (for measuring water movement), particle counters, light sensors (PAR), and water quality sensors. They will also use molecular tools like environmental DNA (edna) and high-throughput DNA sequencing (HTS) to study biological communities, including microbes, fish, and macroinvertebrates. Water, sediment, and biological samples will be collected for further analysis. Laboratory work will support species restoration efforts led by the national park service, such as restoring native mussel populations. The team will also provide scuba-based support for underwater field operations and will use their expertise to develop and validate DNA-based assays (e.g., qpcr and droplet PCR) to detect and monitor key species. All activities will follow proper safety protocols and take place on federal property during regular business hours.deliverables and expected outcomes: project staff will be actively involved in data analysis, report writing, and sharing results through oral and poster presentations at scientific conferences and stakeholder events. They will lead the preparation of technical reports and manuscripts intended for publication in peer-reviewed scholarly journals, continuing a strong track record of publishing scientific findings. In addition to these publications, staff will contribute to annual reports and deliver regular updates through presentations and responses to data requests as needed. The expected outcomes of this work include the effective dissemination of research findings to both the scientific community and resource managers, thereby supporting informed decision-making and ongoing restoration or monitoring efforts. Collaborative proposal and manuscript development will further enhance partnerships and contribute to a broader understanding of great lakes ecosystem dynamics, while also ensuring the project s relevance to both research and applied management needs.intended beneficiary(IES): the intended beneficiaries of this research include managers at the federal, state, county, and local levels who are involved in developing and implementing management actions to improve and restore the great lakes. Additionally, academic institutions, including college students and professors, will benefit by gaining opportunities to collaborate with the USGS on important coastal and natural resource issues in the great lakes region. Overall, the research will strengthen the capacity of both federal agencies and academic partners to address critical questions that support resource restoration and management decisions.