NEIWPCC, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Hudson River Estuary Program, is inviting proposals from qualified consultants to survey American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) distribution in an approximately 10-mile section of the Hudson River Estuary from Piermont Pier to Yonkers, New York.

The oyster survey is intended to complement past and planned sampling efforts to the north and south of the targeted area. Intensive oyster sampling from Piermont Pier north to Croton Point was conducted between 2013 and 2014 to identify benthic impacts and potential mitigation actions resulting from the construction of the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. More recently, funding has been made available to conduct similar data collection in New York Harbor, up the Hudson River to the city of Yonkers. Examination of the density of samples taken north of Piermont Pier and the anticipated sampling south of Yonkers has demonstrated a need to supplement sampling in the target project area.

All data collection will occur on location in the field and will be delivered to NYSDEC project managers for analysis of distribution and habitat preference. Potential applicants must demonstrate qualifications and experience conducting similar research.

There is $75,000 available for this project, which is expected to be awarded in January 2025 and to be completed no later than November 15, 2025. The deadline for applications is December 16, 2024 at 5 p.m.

View the full request for proposals here. (PDF)

Submit your proposal online here.

For questions regarding submission of proposals, please contact Emily Bialowas.

Funding for this opportunity is provided by the New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund and is administered by NEIWPCC in partnership with NYSDEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program.