NEIWPCC, with collaboration from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and funding from the Long Island Sound Partnership (LIS Partnership), has announced a Request for Proposals to assess potential suitable sites for aquaculture in the Long Island Sound and its embayments. One contractor will be awarded up to $300,000 for the project, with an anticipated start date of February 2027.
This project contributes to the goals of both the Nutrient Bioextraction Initiative and the LIS Partnership to reduce nitrogen and improve water quality in the Sound. The research will explore potential feasibility of large-scale bioextraction operations and commercial implementation in Long Island Sound. Applicants may submit proposals in accordance with the procedures outlined in the online application.
Proposals must be submitted to NEIWPCC by November 13, 2026. Full details about the request for proposals, including the online application form, eligibility, timeframe, and project requirements, can be found on the Funding Opportunities webpage.
Program Background
NYSDEC launched the Nutrient Bioextraction Initiative in 2018 as part of the Long Island Watershed Program, formerly the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan. Bioextraction is the process of removing excess nutrients like nitrogen from local waters through the cultivation and harvest of seaweed and shellfish. The Nutrient Bioextraction Initiative aims to improve water quality in New York and Connecticut marine waters by removing excess nitrogen through the cultivation and harvest of seaweed and shellfish. The Initiative fosters coordination among experts in the field to identify research topics, nutrient removal rates, technical bottlenecks, and potential challenges related to bioextraction industries; encourages communication between growers, researchers, and other resources; and shares the information and research publicly.