Projects to Address AIS Receive Funding Through Rapid Response Fund
Earlier this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced four projects that will receive $785,000 to address the early detection and rapid response for aquatic invasive species (AIS) – a top priority for the recreational boating industry.
The four selected projects comprise the first quarter of awardees of the Rapid Response Fund, which received $4 million over four years to address invasive species. The rapid response funds are awarded quarterly through a competitive funding opportunity to allow timely?response to new species threats while maintaining a fair, competitive, and transparent process. The administration’s investments include projects in Alaska, California, Nevada, and Rhode Island.
The rapid response fund is administered within the USFWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation program and coordinated though the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. The fund was established as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to assess and support response actions for quick containment or eradication of newly detected species. More information on the fund and award structure can be found here.
Supporting programs and initiatives to address AIS remains a top priority for the recreational boating industry. Last year, the AIS Commission – created by NMMA and several conservation, fishing, and boating organizations – released a report identifying ways to improve the prevention, eradication, control, and mitigation of AIS.
For questions or additional information, please contact Clay Crabtree, NMMA director of federal government relations, at [email protected]