Fish and Aquatic Conservation - Aquatic Invasive Species

Established by the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA), the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) implements a program for waters of the United States to prevent introduction and dispersal of aquatic nuisance species (ANS), to monitor, control, and study such species, and to disseminate related information. The ANSTF provides financial support for two components of its program: Regional Panels of the ANSTF � The ANSTF provides funding to the host organizations to manage six Regional Panels. The panels help the ANSTF fulfill its responsibilities under NANPCA and collaborate with a broad spectrum of stakeholders to provide balanced advice to the Task Force on issues of regional significance. State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plans � Funding is provided to States to implement ANS Management Plans approved by the ANSTF, as authorized in NANPCA. The plans identify activities needed to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with ANS, focusing on feasible, cost-effective management efforts to prevent and control ANS infestations in an environmentally sound manner. Only States or Interstate organizations with ANSTF-approved ANS Plans are eligible for this annual funding.

Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force � Applications limited to the six organizations responsible for administering and managing ANSTF Regional Panels. State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans � Eligible applicants are ONLY the States, or Territories, or Indian tribes involved together with States and/or Territories in an interstate organization, that have an ANS Management Plan that has been approved by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.

1 - Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) - These six grants are sole source awards (directed announcements) to fund the host organizations of the six Regional Panels that were chosen by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. 2 - State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plans - Funding is divided as evenly as possible among all eligible States that successfully apply for funding.

For State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan grants, Section 4724 (b)(3)(a) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 as amended (16 U.S.C. 4701-4741), requires those entities applying for funds under this Program to provide a 25% cost share (25% of total project costs). Applicants may attribute some or all of their allowable indirect costs as voluntary committed cost-share or match.

Fiscal year 2025: Regional Panels of the ANSTF � Funding was used to support the host organizations of the 6 Regional Panels of the ANSTF. The ANSTF Regional panels assist the ANSTF with coordinating regional activities, identifying regional priorities, providing advice pertinent to regional issues, and making recommendations and reporting to the Task Force. State/Interstate ANS Mgmt Plans � The program anticipates providing support for the 47 State and Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans, including a wide range of activities such as: state coordinator positions, watercraft inspection and decontamination, early detection surveillance, education and outreach on aquatic invasive species, small control projects, coordination, and purchase of field equipment. Fiscal year 2026: Regional Panels of the ANSTF � Funding will be used to support the host organizations of the 6 Regional Panels of the ANSTF. The ANSTF Regional panels assist the ANSTF with coordinating regional activities, identifying regional priorities, providing advice pertinent to regional issues, and making recommendations and reporting to the Task Force. State/Interstate ANS Mgmt Plans � Program...