15.945: cooperative research and training programs of the national park system cesu networkprogramming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitate cooperative research,…

The University of South Florida received a $128,953 Cooperative Agreement from the National Park Service (Department of the Interior) under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945), effective October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027. The award supports the development of a satellite-based monitoring system designed to detect and track harmful algae blooms in Florida Bay within Everglades National Park. The project will generate publicly available satellite imagery and datasets that characterize the extent and severity of algae blooms, thereby reducing dependence on labor-intensive monitoring methods and generating substantial cost savings for resource management operations.

This initiative addresses a critical environmental challenge that has degraded aquatic ecosystems in Everglades National Park for approximately a decade, adversely impacting both plant and animal populations while undermining the economic vitality of recreational fisheries and ecotourism sectors. The final deliverables will benefit state and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, public and private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public. The project exemplifies the Cooperative Research and Training Programs' emphasis on multidisciplinary science and integrated information products that support science-based management across the National Park System.

15.945: cooperative research and training programs of the national park system cesu networkprogramming supports a comprehensive network of cooperative study units to facilitate cooperative research, technical assistance, education, and training to inform science-based management of the national park system. The study units facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products across multiple geographic regions of the national park system. The goal of this project is to develop a new system of using satellite technology to monitor harmful algae blooms in florida BAY. Harmful algae blooms have threatened aquatic ecosystems in everglades national park for nearly a decade, adversely affecting plant and animal life and impacting the economic engines of recreational fisheries and ecotourism. The final deliverable will be publicly available satellite images and datasets that reveal the extent and severity of algae blooms reducing reliance on labor-intensive methods and resulting in significant cost savings.beneficiaries include state and local governments, federally recognized indian tribal governments, public private nonprofit organizations, nonprofit institutions of higher education, and the general public.