Harmful Algal Bloom Research Grant Program 2026

Background

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is launching the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Research Grant Program for 2026, with approximately $2,500,000 available from the Environmental Protection Fund. The program aims to support research projects that align with the objectives outlined in the DEC HAB Roadmap and the DEC HABs Research Guide. The focus areas include prevention and mitigation of HABs, understanding their causes, monitoring and modeling techniques, and enhancing communication and outreach efforts.

Work Details

The grant program will fund a range of research projects from small laboratory studies to larger regional-scale studies. Projects must address at least one of the priority topics identified in the DEC HABs Research Guide, including: 1) In-lake mitigation strategies; 2) Watershed nutrient control strategies; 3) Climate change impacts on HABs; 4) Food web dynamics; 5) Mechanisms of cyanotoxin production; 6) Predictive modeling of HAB occurrences; 7) Communication methods for public engagement. Each project must have defined objectives, tasks, and deliverables that can be completed within a three-year term. The minimum grant amount is $250,000 and the maximum is $750,000. Bidders may apply as a lead on only one application but can collaborate on two additional applications.

Period of Performance

Projects must be completed within a three-year contract term starting from April 1, 2027, to December 31, 2030.

Place of Performance

Eligible projects must be located within New York State and demonstrate how they will benefit the state.

Bidder Requirements

Eligible bidders include governmental entities, academic institutions, public benefit corporations, municipal corporations, soil and water conservation districts, school districts, and not-for-profit organizations acting on behalf of public interests. Bidders must comply with various certifications including Sexual Harassment Prevention Certification and Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace Certification. A match requirement of at least 10% of the grant amount is mandatory.