Harmful Algal Bloom Innovation Challenge: Toxin Detection in Seafood

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through its National Ocean Service (NOS) and National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Competitive Research Program, is offering a funding opportunity focused on advancing harmful algal bloom toxin detection in seafood. This program is part of NOAA’s long-standing mission to support science that protects public health, ecosystems, and coastal economies. With over 30 years of research funding experience, NCCOS emphasizes applied science that directly informs management decisions and policy, particularly in response to environmental hazards such as harmful algal blooms (HABs), which have increasing impacts across marine, estuarine, and Great Lakes systems. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to stimulate innovation in the detection of HAB toxins in seafood. HAB toxins pose significant risks to human health, ranging from mild irritation to severe neurological damage, and can disrupt seafood supply chains and coastal economies. NOAA is seeking proposals that develop or advance point-of-use, cost-effective, and efficient detection technologies. These technologies should improve accessibility and usability for a wide range of end users, including regulatory agencies, seafood producers, and community stakeholders. Projects must focus on practical applications that enhance seafood safety, food security, and the competitiveness of U.S. seafood industries in global markets. Funding is contingent upon federal appropriations, with an expectation to support between two and five projects. Each project may receive between 100000 and 250000 dollars annually, with a total project cap of 750000 dollars over a one- to three-year period. Projects are expected to begin on April 1, 2027, and may run for up to three years. Awards to non-federal entities will typically be issued as cooperative agreements, indicating substantial involvement from NOAA in project implementation, including collaboration, oversight, and participation in project activities. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes U.S. institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, tribal entities, U.S. territories, affiliated Pacific Islands institutions, and for-profit organizations. Federal agencies may also apply, provided they have legal authority to receive funds. Principal Investigators must be affiliated with an eligible institution, and foreign researchers may only participate as subawardees through U.S.-based entities. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this program, lowering barriers to participation. The application process includes a mandatory Letter of Intent (LOI), which must be submitted prior to the full proposal. The LOI provides NOAA with an early assessment of project relevance and competitiveness. Full applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and must include a comprehensive set of required components such as project descriptions, budgets, data management plans, and supporting documentation. Applicants must also maintain active registrations in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. The review process involves administrative screening followed by independent peer review based on criteria including relevance, technical merit, qualifications, cost, and outreach. Key deadlines include the LOI submission by April 14, 2026, and the full application deadline of July 16, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials well in advance due to potential system delays. Award decisions are expected by April 2027. NOAA provides multiple points of contact for technical, administrative, and data management inquiries, ensuring applicants have access to support throughout the process. This funding opportunity represents a strategic investment in advancing seafood safety technologies and addressing a critical environmental and public health challenge.

Align proposal with HAB toxin detection priorities; clearly define end users; demonstrate improved cost, speed, or accessibility over existing methods; include strong data management plan and outreach strategy