The Environmental Studies Program (ESP) of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity to conduct research in topics that serve the public interest of safe and environmentally sound energy and mineral production on the nationâ¿¿s outer continental

credit:

shelf.BOEMâ¿¿s Environmental Studies Program develops, funds, and manages rigorous scientific research which is then used to inform policy decisions.

BOEMâ¿¿s current 2012-2017 Oil and Gas Program and the 2017-2022 Proposed Oil and Gas Program both include a Lease Sale in the Cook Inlet Planning Area.

The spread of marine invasive species is an area of concern in Alaska.

It is difficult to discern invasive species from native species in the marine environment because of the limited view below the surface of the water.

Having an easy to use guide that is available to the public, agencies, and industry is essential to the detection of invasive species.Purpose:
This study will provide additional information on marine invasive species in Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (KBNERR) located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska.Scope of objectives:
There are several objectives that may be addressed through study proposals submitted under this announcement of financial assistance.The total anticipated amount of funding available in FY 2017 is approximately $12,040, with no additional funds in subsequent fiscal years.BOEM anticipates making one cooperative agreement award in Fiscal Year 2017 for 1 proposal submitted under this program announcement.This Program Announcement describes the specific projects that may be awarded to the universities or eligible groups identified.

This announcement is specifically to announce intent to undertake the following project:â¿¢ Expanded Guide to Some Common Fouling Invertebrates of Alaska with Focus on Known and Potential Marine Invasive Species Kachemak Bay Marine National Estuarine Research Reserveo Open to:
North and West Alaska Coastal Ecosystem Study Unit (CESU)￧ University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)No other proposals are requested at this time, although additional opportunities may be announced in the future.The award will be a cooperative agreement (with the exception of tasks performed by Federal partners ⿿ see Eligibility Information below).