Funding Wizard

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is soliciting proposals for restoration activities in the Klamath Basin of Southern Oregon and Northern California. Proposals must demonstrate how the proposed restoration will improve conditions and achieve habitat restoration for waterfowl and/or native fish and wildlife species, and other aquatic species throughout the Klamath Basin. The headwaters of the Klamath River start in Oregon in the arid mountains east of the Cascade Range in southern Oregon. Downstream of the headwaters, these waters support one of the largest lake-wetlands complexes in the western U.S. The Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex (which comprise six National Wildlife Refuges in total) has been referred to as the “Everglades of the West” because of its biological diversity and importance to the Pacific Flyway as a staging area for millions of waterbirds on their spring and fall migrations. Downstream of Upper Klamath Lake, the Klamath River flows through steep forested mountains of Northern California where it eventually meets the sea near the town of Klamath, CA. The Klamath River once supported the third most productive salmon run on the West Coast of the United States. Today, Klamath Basin fisheries are in decline including spring-run and fall-run Chinook salmon, and there are several species of fish on the Endangered Species list such as Lost River and shortnose suckers, bull trout, and coho salmon and other Tribal trust species. This funding opportunity is intended for projects and activities that support or will help improve river, riparian, lake, and wetland habitats, which historically supported millions of fish, waterfowl, and other native wildlife. The Service invites project proposals that fall within the entire Klamath Basin drainage from the headwaters to the mouth of the Klamath River. Klamath Basin stakeholders have a long history of working together on restoration activities, and have also undertaken the enormous challenge of resolving major natural resource conflicts in the Klamath Basin. Applicants are, therefore, encouraged to submit project proposals that seek out and/or build upon opportunities for collaboration with other conservation partners in the Klamath Basin. As such, the Service is encouraging project proposals to include letters of support from project partners, stakeholders, and other contributors describing their support and any role they may have in assisting with the project. Endorsement letters will help the Service judge whether projects are widely supported. The Service encourages project proposals to include letters of support from local Tribes, Counties and other local governments, States or State Agencies, and other conservation partners. Special consideration will also be given to restoration projects proposed on tribal lands or those that may affect tribes and/or their lands. DOI is committed to equity and environmental justice in program delivery and explicitly seeks to ensure that all projects provide direct, meaningful benefits consistent with Justice40 and other related initiatives. Applications will be considered accordingly.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is pleased to announce the availability of funding for research and conservation in 2021 to support issues related directly to the management of white-nose syndrome (WNS). The Service provides financial and technical assistance to non-governmental, university, and private researchers, as well as state and local governments, Native American tribes, and federal agencies, for the management of WNS and conservation of bats. Funded projects will investigate priority questions to improve our ability to manage the disease and implement management actions that will help to conserve affected bat species. As of May 10, 2021, WNS is confirmed or suspected in bats in 38 states and seven Canadian provinces, and evidence of the causative fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has been detected in at least two additional states without additional sign of the disease. Numerous North American and Eurasian species of bats have been confirmed with WNS or detected carrying Pd. For information on WNS and previously funded projects, please see: http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/ Funding through WNS Research for Conservation Grants provides critical information and resources for maximizing the benefits of conservation efforts for bats. These actions are focused on minimizing the impacts of WNS and compounding stressors on federally listed species, prioritizing actions to conserve species that are susceptible to the disease, including those that may be assessed for listing due to the impacts of WNS, and understanding how different species are likely to respond when exposed to the pathogen. Projects submitted tor this opportunity should concentrate on efforts where there is the greatest need and benefit. Priorities for this funding opportunity are designed to develop and apply tools that maximize persistence of WNS-affected bat populations, minimize the range and impacts of Pd, support collaborative actions of the WNS National Response, and inform management decisions in preparation for, or in response to, WNS. Scientific research conducted in collaboration with management authorities is encouraged. Funding in 2021 will support projects that address the following objectives and priorities: Objective: Support research to produce critical knowledge relevant to management decisions and actions for hibernating bats. Understand mechanisms of survival between and within bat species, including variability in susceptibility to WNS and non-lethal effects to health and reproduction. Mechanisms may involve environmental, physiological, behavioral, genetic and other factors affecting hosts, pathogen, and environments, as well as interactions among them. Understand effects of non-disease factors influencing viability of hibernating bats. Factors may include stressors (e.g. prey scarcity, contaminants, etc.) that introduce additive or compounding impacts to populations and should produce information needed to enact comprehensive management strategies for bats. Develop tools to improve survival and persistence of WNS-affected or WNS-vulnerable species; especially tools that can be applied during summer. Vulnerable species include hibernating bats likely to be susceptible to WNS in the future even if they have not yet been exposed to Pd. Objective: Leverage resources (expertise, funds, partnerships, etc.) to implement adaptive management efforts aimed at building resiliency and promoting recovery in hibernating bat populations. Implement strategies to support biological and ecological needs of hibernating bats, including establishing baseline information relevant to implementing management actions and monitoring their effects. Implement adaptive management programs to improve survival and persistence of species impacted by or vulnerable to WNS using existing options for management. This priority includes work with species that are not yet confirmed to be susceptible to WNS but can reasonably be anticipated to be in the future. Through this funding opportunity, we aim to support research to inform management decisions for WNS, and to implement those strategies for the greatest benefit to affected and vulnerable species. Due to the urgency of this threat to bats and the rapid progress of related science, we seek to fund projects that are likely to produce impactful results within a two year project period. The WNS Research for Conservation Grants opportunity accompanies two additional funding opportunities from the Service’s WNS National Response in 2021: 1) WNS Grants to States and Tribes 2021 (through June 1, 2021: www.grants.gov); and 2) Bats for the Future Fund (managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; closed April 29, 2021: www.nfwf.org/bats). Contact the Service WNS coordinator in your region (below) for more information about these funding opportunities. NOTE: Grantees are encouraged to use or allow use of the data management infrastructure of NABat prior to completion of the grant reporting period, if appropriate. Projects involving population monitoring are not required to occur with the specific monitoring protocols of NABat, nor in the highest priority grid cells. Contribution of data entails providing locations only at the resolution of the NABat grid cell (10 km x 10 km), and not precise locations of data or descriptive site names. Standard reports including data visualization outputs generated by NABat are accepted to fulfill award reporting requirements for project activities funded through this opportunity. The use of grant funds requires adherence to established protocols and methodologies developed or espoused by the national WNS working groups for surveillance, diagnostics, population monitoring, conservation and recovery, and disease management (for more information contact the appropriate Service WNS coordinator), as well as the Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. All proposed actions must be in line with the most current guidance, policies, and information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2. The Service’s White-nose Syndrome program is coordinated and funded through the branches of Ecological Services and Science Applications, and will be working with the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program (WSFR) to administer these WNS Research for Conservation Grants. Grants will be competitively awarded based on merit review of proposed projects for their applicability and feasibility to address priorities identified in this notice and for their overall contribution to meeting the objectives of the WNS national plan (White-Nose Syndrome Response Plans).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is pleased to announce the availability of financial assistance to wildlife and natural resource management agencies of states, the District of Columbia, and federally-recognized Native American Tribes for efforts related directly to the management of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease of bats. State Agencies and Tribal natural resource or environmental management programs are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. The most competitive proposals will present actionable plans to manage WNS and bat species that are affected or potentially vulnerable to the disease. WNS is confirmed in at least 12 bat species, including three that are federally listed as threatened or endangered. The northern long-eared bat was listed as Threatened primarily due to impacts of WNS. Concern over population declines resulting from WNS led the Service to schedule status assessments for two additional bat species: little brown bat and tricolored bat. The work funded through the WNS Grants to States and Tribes is expected to assist partners in their efforts to combat the disease and conserve affected species. In addition, the projects funded will provide information that strengthens the scientific information needed to support decisions under the Endangered Species Act. Since 2008, funding through the WNS Grants to States has led to critical information and resources for maximizing the benefits of bat conservation efforts by States. In 2019, this funding opportunity was extended to Tribes engaged in, or seeking to engage in, bat management and conservation efforts. Although WNS has decimated several species of bats in North America, efforts taken with the support of funding from the Service’s WNS program have helped the management community to focus efforts where there is the greatest need and benefit. Through the advances made in understanding WNS over the past decade, we now have multiple tools that management agencies can consider when developing and implementing strategies to combat WNS. In this way, these grants support the actions of States and Tribes working to conserve bats in the United States.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is pleased to announce the availability of financial assistance to wildlife and natural resource management agencies of states, the District of Columbia, and federally-recognized Native American Tribes for efforts related directly to the management of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease of bats. State Agencies and Tribal natural resource or environmental management programs are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. The most competitive proposals will present actionable plans to manage WNS and bat species that are affected or potentially vulnerable to the disease. WNS is confirmed in at least 12 bat species, including three that are federally listed as threatened or endangered. The northern long-eared bat was listed as Threatened primarily due to impacts of WNS. Concern over population declines resulting from WNS led the Service to schedule status assessments for two additional bat species: little brown bat and tricolored bat. The work funded through the WNS Grants to States and Tribes is expected to assist partners in their efforts to combat the disease and conserve affected species. In addition, the projects funded will provide information that strengthens the scientific information needed to support decisions under the Endangered Species Act. Since 2008, funding through the WNS Grants to States has led to critical information and resources for maximizing the benefits of bat conservation efforts by States. In 2019, this funding opportunity was extended to Tribes engaged in, or seeking to engage in, bat management and conservation efforts. Although WNS has decimated several species of bats in North America, efforts taken with the support of funding from the Service’s WNS program have helped the management community to focus efforts where there is the greatest need and benefit. Through the advances made in understanding WNS over the past decade, we now have multiple tools that management agencies can consider when developing and implementing strategies to combat WNS. In this way, these grants support the actions of States and Tribes working to conserve bats in the United States.

The Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG) Program was created to support the development and implementation of programs for the benefit of wildlife and their habitats and species of Tribal cultural or traditional importance, including species that are not hunted or fished. The TWG Program is part of the State Wildlife Grant (SWG) Program which provides wildlife conservation grants to States, Commonwealths, and to the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Tribes under provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. TWG Program funding originates from the Department of the Interior (DOI) and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (Pub. L. 107-63), when Congress first specified that the Service use a portion of the funds appropriated under the SWG Program to establish a competitive grant program available to federally recognized Tribes. This language allows the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), to establish a separate competitive Tribal grant program which is not subject to the provisions or other requirements of the SWG Program portion. The TWG Program provides opportunities for federally recognized Tribes to engage in fish and wildlife conservation efforts on their lands, many of which are located adjacent to DOI- managed lands. Many of the TWG Program-funded project activities increase fish and wildlife populations, allowing for hunting and fishing opportunities on and off Tribal lands. Additionally, the TWG Program funds project activities that align and assist the Service with Endangered Species Act (ESA) activities supporting downlisting, delisting, and preventing new species listings under the ESA. Eligible projects include those that initiate, develop or implement activities or programs that benefit wildlife and their habitat, including species of Native American cultural or traditional importance and species that are not hunted or fished.

Marine Turtle Conservation Fund (MTCA)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) mission is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The International Affairs Program delivers on this mission through its financial assistance programs by supporting strategic projects that deliver measurable conservation results for priority species and their habitats around the world. Wildlife trafficking is estimated to be a multibillion-dollar business involving the unlawful harvest and trade of animals and plants (including timber). It has broad security implications, with corruption and sophisticated transnational crime syndicates at the center of some poaching and trafficking. Wildlife trafficking removes hundreds of thousands of animals and plants from wild populations each year and further increases the extinction risk for threatened and endangered species, which are often the target of wildlife crime because of their rarity and increased economic value. Species Conservation Catalyst Fund The Service’s Combating Wildlife Trafficking Program’s Species Conservation Catalyst Fund (SCCF) is a new initiative that aims to reduce wildlife trafficking within complex social-ecological systems by supporting recipients to (1) provide a more empirical understanding of the contexts in which species are trafficked, and/or (2) develop, implement, and evaluate activities that reduce the threat of trafficking to species populations. The SCCF is designed to support capacity building among project partners to sustain conservation impact by attracting additional funding, attention, and other resources for the species. The first species supported through the SCCF are (1) saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica and Saiga borealis) in Central Asia and Mongolia, and (2) cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in the Horn of Africa. This new fund is envisioned as a ‘conservation accelerator’ that will enable project teams to launch or grow projects, support opportunities for grantees to build skills relevant to their work, and develop networks of researchers and practitioners. Projects supported through the SCCF will help build a body of evidence to guide future conservation and counter-trafficking efforts. Funding levels and timelines will vary for each species based on conservation need, funding availability, and the receipt of suitable proposals, but in general for each species, approximately $2-4 million is expected to be available and proposals will be invited through multiple funding opportunities over 3-5 years. See below for more details on this funding opportunity. Please be sure to read this entire document and related attachments, as updated information has been added to Section D. Application and Submission Information and Section E. Criteria to clarify requirements, expectations, and funding criteria. Funding Opportunities The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to support existing or launch new strategies to reduce poaching and trafficking of two identified taxa: (1) saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica and Saiga borealis) in Central Asia and Mongolia, and (2) cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in the Horn of Africa. This NOFO aligns with the missions of the Service and the Department of the Interior and reflects the priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration, including Administration policies articulated by Executive Orders 14008, 13985, and 14005. SAIGA ANTELOPE The saiga (Saiga tatarica and Saiga borealis)* is a Critically Endangered migratory antelope from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and Mongolia [1]. Many human-induced threats impact saiga populations, particularly consumption and trade. Locally, saiga is hunted for meat, hide, and sport, but it is most traded internationally for its horn [2,3]. The horn is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) where it is often marketed as líng yáng, 羚羊 [4]. Poaching for saiga horn trade is a major threat to saiga survival [5]. International trade in saiga products is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In 1995 the species was added to Appendix II, and in 2019, its listing was amended to specify ‘zero quota’ for wild specimens traded for commercial purposes [3,6]. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding remains in place that was signed by all five extant saiga range states in 2005 [5]. All such states currently have domestic regulations prohibiting hunting, possession, and trade in saiga. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) also published a work program in 2021 outlining conservation priorities for the species [7]. Despite concerted conservation efforts at local, national, and international levels, saiga poaching and trafficking persist due to high consumer demand, the clandestine nature of the trafficking chain, challenges in coordinating range and distal consumer countries, and barriers to preventing poaching and trafficking at the local level. This funding opportunity solicits projects to address poaching and trafficking of saiga with a focus on the desired outcomes outlined below. Proposed projects should achieve one or more of the following desired outcomes: 1. Saiga populations are protected and conserved in their native habitats. 1.1 Empirical data on rates of poaching and/or underlying drivers of poacher behavior are collected, analyzed, and understood using robust, ethical, and culturally appropriate methods. 1.2 Local monitoring teams are strengthened or established to reduce poaching of saiga via evidence-based activities and relevant training and support. 1.3 Barriers to community buy-in are understood and strategically addressed to further local protection, monitoring, and conservation efforts. 2. Saiga horn stockpiles are quantified and managed transparently. 2.1 Consumer countries are supported to understand (i) the distribution of saiga horn stockpiles (e.g., including when products are dispersed across non-government vendors’ stock) and (ii) the quantity of saiga horn across these stockpiles. 2.2 Evidence-based strategies are implemented and maintained to support effective management of saiga horn stockpiles and reporting to CITES or CMS as appropriate. 3. Demand for saiga horn is understood and reduced across consumer countries. 3.1 Empirical data on rates of consumption, underlying drivers of saiga horn consumer behavior, and/or on markets or policies affecting saiga horn consumption are collected, analyzed, and understood using robust, ethical, and culturally appropriate methods. 3.2 Strategic, evidence-based activities are implemented and evaluated to reduce consumer demand or product availability. Project activities should take place in saiga range countries (including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Mongolia), and/or transit/consumer countries. * CITES taxonomy recognizes two saiga species - Saiga tatarica and Saiga borealis. However, IUCN recognizes Saiga tatarica as the only species in the genus Saiga (with two recognized subspecies: Saiga tatarica tatarica and Saiga tatarica mongolica). CHEETAH Historically widespread throughout non-forested areas of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian Sub-continent, cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) are now found in only 9% of their historic range; 77% of their current distribution is outside protected areas and in human-dominated landscapes [8]. The cheetah is listed in Appendix I of both Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, and is categorized as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [9]. The global cheetah population is estimated at 7,100 individuals distributed between several highly fragmented populations, representing a 50% reduction in numbers from the 1960s [8]. Gaps in knowledge exist on the distribution and density of cheetah, particularly throughout their range in the Horn of Africa. Cheetah population numbers have declined markedly as a result of persecution by humans primarily due to conflict with livestock and the illegal wildlife trade, as well as from changes in land management, a deterioration of their habitat, and declines in their prey population [10-13]. The illegal trade in cheetah is likely having the most dramatic impact on populations in eastern Africa and the Horn from where an estimated 300 or more cheetahs are smuggled each year primarily to supply the pet trade for wealthy buyers in the Middle East [10,11]. Live cheetah are also traded for zoo and wildlife park attractions globally, but particularly in eastern and southeast Asia [10]. The illicit trade represents an annual loss of over 4% of the total cheetah population. More than 4,000 wild cheetahs have been recorded in illegal trade incidents since 2010, 87% of which were live animals [11]. Shifts in modes of transport during the COVID-19 pandemic may have further escalated trade as evidenced by a 58% increase from the Horn into Yemen between March 2020 and February 2021 as compared to the year prior [10]. This funding opportunity solicits projects to address cheetah trafficking from the Horn of Africa to the Middle East with a focus on the desired outcomes outlined below. Proposed projects should achieve one or more of the following desired outcomes: 1. Population monitoring data for cheetah in the Horn of Africa are used to inform conservation action plans. 1.1 Robust population/distribution data for cheetah are collected and used to inform anti-trafficking and conservation efforts. 1.2 Capacity is developed for national wildlife authorities or in-country research teams to sustain survey/monitoring work long-term. 1.3 National conservation action plans are developed and/or implemented in coordination with local and national authorities and in consultation with communities living with cheetah. 2. The capacity of law enforcement and/or cheetah monitoring networks are strengthened in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. 2.1 Law enforcement needs (e.g., resources, training, etc.) are identified and addressed to strengthen capacity to combat illegal trade in cheetah and other species. 2.2 Communication between national/regional/international law enforcement agencies is established and maintained. 2.3 Mechanisms for collecting and managing confiscation, arrests, prosecution, and sentencing data for cheetah and other wildlife are established, standardized, and maintained. 2.4 Local monitoring teams are established or strengthened to reduce poaching of cheetah via evidence-based activities and relevant training and support. 3. Drivers for cheetah poaching in the Horn of Africa are understood and addressed. 3.1 Baseline data on the social, cultural, economic, political, and situational factors that drive human-cheetah conflict are collected, analyzed, and understood using robust, ethical, and culturally appropriate social science methods. 3.2 Strategic, evidence-based activities, including those that address livelihoods, human wildlife conflict, and compliance with laws, are implemented and evaluated to reduce poaching of cheetah. 4. Demand for cheetah in consumer countries is understood and addressed. 4.1 Baseline data on rates of consumption and/or the social, cultural, economic, political, and situational factors that drive demand for cheetah are collected, analyzed, and understood using robust, ethical, and culturally appropriate social science methods. 4.2 Strategic partnerships and networks in demand countries are established for regional support on demand reduction activities. 4.3 Strategic, evidence-based activities are implemented and evaluated to reduce consumer demand or availability of wild cheetah. Project activities should take place in cheetah range, transit, and/or consumer countries with a focus on those countries where illicit trade presents a high level of threat to cheetah populations. LITERATURE CITED Links to the following documents are provided to applicants as reference only. The inclusion of these documents should not be viewed as an official endorsement of a particular approach or strategy in responding to this NOFO. Mallon DP (2008). Saiga tatarica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008. Kühl A, Balinova N, Bykova E, Arylov YN, Esipov A, Lushchekina AA, Milner-Gulland EJ (2009). The role of saiga poaching in rural communities: Linkages between attitudes, socio-economic circumstances and behaviour. Biological Conservation 142:1442-1449. CITES (2018). Saiga antelope (Saiga spp.): Report of the Secretariat. Seventieth meeting of the Standing Committee. Rosa Khutor, Sochi (Russian Federation). Doughty H, Veríssimo D, Tan RCQ, Lee JSH, Carrasco LR, Oliver K, Milner-Gulland EJ (2019) Saiga horn user characteristics, motivations, and purchasing behaviour in Singapore. PLOS ONE 14(9). CMS (2017). Memorandum of Understanding concerning Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use of the Saiga Antelope. Available from http://www.cms.int/en/legalinstrument/saiga-antelope. CITES (2019). Saiga antelope (Saiga spp.): Summary Record of the Tenth Session for Committee. Eighteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. Geneva (Switzerland). CMS (2021). The Fourth Meeting of Signatories of the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use of the Saiga Antelope (Saiga spp.). Medium-term International Work Programme for the Saiga Antelope (2021- 2025). Online (Russian Federation). Durant, S.M., Mitchell, N., Groom, R. et al. (2017). The global decline of cheetah Acinonyx jubatus and what it means for conservation. PNAS. 114(3): 528-533. Durant, S., Mitchell, N., Ipavec, A. & Groom, R. (2015). Acinonyx jubatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T219A50649567. Accessed on 13 December 2021. Tricorache, P. & Stiles, D. (2021). Live cheetahs. Global initiative against transnational organized crime. Black market brief. https://globalinitiative.net/analysis/live-cheetahs/ Triocarche, P., Yashphe, S., Marker, L. (2021). Global dataset for seized and non-intercepted illegal cheetah trade (Acinonyx jubatus) 2010 – 2019. Data in brief. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33644272 Marker, L. (2019). Cheetahs Race for Survival: Ecology and Conservation, In M. Ferretti (Ed.). Wildlife Population Monitoring. IntechOpen, doi: 10.5772/intechopen.82255. Available from: https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/67071 Marker, L. (2018). Cheetahs: biology and conservation. Academic Press, London. Gilson, L., Biggs, H., Smit, I.P.J., Virah-Sawmy, M., Rogers, K. (2019). Finding a Common Ground between Adaptive Management and Evidence-based Approaches to Biodiversity Conservation. Trends in Ecology & Evolution. 34(1): 31-44.

The ANS Task Force, within its Strategic Plan for 2020-2025 (Objective 2.2 and 2.3), identifies a need to evaluate and prioritize pathways, develop risk management strategies, and encourage implementation of non-regulatory and regulatory measures to prevent the establishment and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in waters of the United States. While evaluating pathways, the ANS Task Force determined that more information is needed to assess the risk of spreading AIS via the seaplane pathway and develop measures to mitigate this risk. This project will address these objectives. Air travel has historically connected otherwise isolated areas, providing a means to transport species from one location to another. The risk of species movement associated with commercial airplanes and air cargo carriers has been previously evaluated (e.g., Tatem, AJ. 2009. Ecography 32:99-102); however, the ANS Task Force Prevention Subcommittee found that information on the potential risks associated with seaplanes is currently lacking. Seaplanes may be a more direct risk to aquatic habitats, as opposed to passenger or cargo aircraft. For example, studies of the seaplane transportation pathway in Alaska have concluded that seaplanes have contributed to the spread of Elodea, an invasive aquatic plant within Alaska (Schwoerer, T. 2017. Doctoral Dissertation. University of Alaska, Fairbanks). The spread of Elodea could have significant economic impacts on fisheries, businesses, and recreation if left unchecked. Currently, the significance of the seaplane pathway as a vector for high-risk species, such as Dreissenid mussels, within the contiguous United States, and between Alaska and the contiguous United States is poorly understood. The Service, co-chair of the ANS Task Force, requests proposals to build upon previous studies and evaluate the risk of the seaplane pathway as a vector for AIS. This risk analysis includes two components: a risk assessment and identification of risk management actions. Phase I of the assessment is in progress to identify the range of waterbodies utilized by seaplanes, seaplane travel patterns, structural and operation risk factors related to seaplanes, and measures taken by seaplane operators to prevent the transport of AIS. Phase II of the assessment (this announcement) will conduct a risk assessment on AIS transported through the seaplane pathway and identify risk management actions to reduce the spread of AIS. Once available, the selected applicant will be provided with information from Phase I to help inform the work of Phase II. (See Supporting Document [Phase I Report Outline]; work in progress. Phase I data is expected to be available beginning in November 2022.) Information from Phase I, along with information collected by the applicant on AIS transported by seaplanes, will be used by the applicant to conduct a risk assessment, and identify risk management actions that can be taken by seaplane operators, manufacturers, and others to reduce the spread of AIS. The assessment should be conducted for the 48 contiguous states and Alaska. Your risk analysis proposal must address: Identifying what AIS potentially could be moved by seaplane operation. Identifying operational or distribution practices and behaviors that may facilitate transport of AIS. Assessing the effectiveness of measures taken by seaplane operators to prevent the transport of AIS. Developing evidence-based recommendations for preventing the establishment and spread of AIS through seaplane operation and distribution, working with seaplane pilots to ensure the recommendations are realistic and practical. Developing evidence-based recommendations for preventing the spread of AIS through seaplane manufacturing to consider possible redesign opportunities if high-risk areas of the plane are identified. It is the intent that the results of this assessment may be used by the ANS Task Force, regional ANS panels, States, and partners to develop or enhance seaplane decontamination and inspection protocols or other industry standards, processes, or programs. Risk management strategies may also inform State and non-governmental educational and awareness campaigns that inform seaplane pilots about the risks of AIS and encourage preventative behaviors to reduce this risk. Proposals submitted for this award should address how the anticipated results will assist the ANS Task Force in reaching the goal of preventing the establishment and spread of AIS by seaplanes through non-regulatory and regulatory measures. Following the assessment, the ANS Task Force will work with federal and state agency personnel and others who are actively involved with seaplane operation, seaplane manufacturing or distribution, and AIS management to facilitate adoption of the recommendations, as appropriate. Following award selection, and prior to commencement of work, the successful applicant must meet with the Service either virtually or in person. During the meeting, the applicant will summarize the work plan (methods and timetable) and review the draft outline of the final report, included in the application, with the Service. The Service will provide feedback on anticipated deliverables meeting ANS Task Force needs. Thereafter, quarterly calls to discuss progress will be required. Overall, the final report should: Summarize pertinent information from Phase I that is used as the basis for the risk management recommendations in Phase II. Identify and quantify the risk of spreading AIS though seaplane operation, including potential high-risk AIS that may be transported through this pathway. Identify any specific operational practices or behaviors of seaplane operators, manufacturers and distributers that may facilitate transport of AIS. Recommend priority best management practices to reduce the risk of AIS spread by seaplanes. Recommend possible redesign opportunities or industry standards that could be considered by seaplane manufactures to reduce the spread of AIS. Once the risk analysis is complete, the grantee will be required to present (30 – 45 minutes, in person or virtually) the findings and recommendations to the Service and ANS Task Force, along with their final risk analysis report.

The ANS Task Force, within its Strategic Plan for 2020-2025 (Objective 2.2 and 2.3), identifies a need to evaluate and prioritize pathways, develop risk management strategies, and encourage implementation of non-regulatory and regulatory measures to prevent the establishment and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in waters of the United States. While evaluating pathways, the ANS Task Force determined that more information is needed to assess the risk of spreading AIS via the seaplane pathway and develop measures to mitigate this risk. This project will address these objectives. International air travel is a significant pathway for the introduction of nonnative pest species, based on data collected at U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection stations (McCullough, et al., 2006. Biol. Invas. 8: 611–630). However, there has been no conclusive data to quantify the risk of transport of AIS represented by seaplanes. Air travel has historically connected otherwise isolated areas, providing a means to transport species from one location to another. The risk of species movement associated with commercial airplanes and air cargo carriers has been previously evaluated; however, the ANS Task Force Prevention Subcommittee found that information on the potential risks associated with seaplanes is currently lacking. Seaplanes may be a more direct risk to aquatic habitats, as opposed to passenger or cargo aircraft. Preliminary studies of the seaplane transportation pathway in Alaska, have concluded that seaplanes have contributed to the spread of Elodea, an invasive aquatic plant within Alaska. The spread of Elodea could have significant economic impacts on fisheries, businesses, and recreation, if left unchecked. Currently, the significance of the seaplane pathway as a vector for high risk species, such as Dressinid mussels, within the contiguous United States, and between Alaska and the contiguous United States is poorly understood. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), co-chair of the ANS Task Force, requests proposals to build upon previous studies and evaluate the risk of the seaplane pathway as a vector for AIS. This risk analysis should include two components: a risk assessment and identification of risk management actions. The risk assessment is needed to identify and quantify the range of waterbodies that are utilized by seaplanes and what AIS may be transported through this pathway. This information will be used to identify risk management actions that can be taken by seaplane operators, manufacturers, and others to reduce the spread of AIS. The assessment should be conducted for the 48 contiguous states and Alaska. Your risk analysis proposal must address: Identifying the travel patterns of seaplanes within the 48 contiguous states and Alaska; this would include the location and distance traveled between origin and final destinations, frequency of travel, and average time spent at each location. Identifying what AIS potentially could be moved by seaplane operation. Identifying high risk areas of the plane (e.g., hull, float, wheel well), as well as operational or distribution practices and behaviors that may facilitate transport of AIS. Assessing the extent to which measures are taken by seaplane operators to prevent the transport of AIS. Developing evidence-based recommendations for preventing the establishment and spread of AIS through seaplane operation and distribution, working with seaplane pilots to ensure the recommendations are realistic and practical. Developing evidence-based recommendations for preventing the spread of AIS through seaplane manufacturing to consider possible redesign opportunities if high-risk areas of the plane are identified. It is the intent that the results of this assessment may be used by the ANS Task Force, regional ANS panels, States, and partners to develop or enhance seaplane decontamination and inspection protocols or other industry standards, processes, or programs. Risk management strategies may also inform State and non-governmental educational and awareness campaigns that inform seaplane pilots about the risks of AIS and encourage preventative behaviors to reduce this risk. Proposals submitted for this award should address how the anticipated results will assist the ANS Task Force in reaching the goal of preventing the establishment and spread of AIS by seaplanes through non-regulatory and regulatory measures. Following the assessment, the ANS Task Force will work with federal and state agency personnel and others who are actively involved with seaplane operation, seaplane manufacturing or distribution, and AIS management to facilitate adoption of the recommendations, as appropriate. Following award selection, and prior to commencement of work, the successful applicant must meet with the Service. During the meeting, the applicant will summarize the work plan (methods and timetable) and review the draft outline of the final report, included in the application, with the Service. The Service will provide feedback on anticipated deliverables meeting ANSTF needs. Overall, the final report should: Identify and quantify the risk of spreading AIS though seaplane operation, by reporting on the number and type of waterbodies used by seaplanes, the distance traveled, and potential high risk AIS that may be transported. Data should be depicted on maps when possible. Identify high risk areas of the plane that may facilitate transport of AIS. Identify any specific operational practices or behaviors of seaplane operators, manufacturers and distributers that may facilitate transport of AIS. Report on the type and frequency of AIS preventative measures performed by seaplane operators. Recommend priority best management practices to reduce the risk of AIS spread by seaplanes. Recommend possible redesign opportunities or industry standards that could be considered by seaplane manufactures to reduce the spread of AIS. Once the risk analysis is complete, the grantee will be required to present (30 – 45 minutes, in person or virtually) the findings and recommendations to the Service and ANS Task Force, along with their final risk analysis report.

The Sea Duck Joint Venture (SDJV) is a conservation partnership under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP). Its mission is to promote the conservation of North American sea ducks by providing greater scientific knowledge and understanding of sea duck biology and ecology to support effective management. The SDJV is composed of Federal and state/provincial wildlife agencies in Canada and the U.S., as well as non-governmental organizations and other entities committed to sea duck conservation. SDJV projects are accomplished through efficient public/private partnerships and cooperative funding. The SDJV is coordinated and administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Primary funding is provided to the SDJV through U.S. Congressional appropriations; some of this funding is made available through competitive grants to solicit partnerships that can address priority science needs of the SDJV. This funding opportunity is made under the authority of Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956; 16 U.S.C. 742. SDJV funding supports both the USFWS and Department of Interior (DOI) missions, and the DOI Secretary’s priorities related to conservation stewardship and protection. One of the purposes of the SDJV is to prevent further listings of sea duck species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), as two sea duck populations are already listed as threatened in the U.S., and the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in Canada. Funded projects contribute sound science about sea duck populations and habitat needs that contribute to monitoring their status and addressing factors that diminish their abundance. Healthy sea duck populations support traditional harvests of sea ducks that are important for subsistence hunters in rural northern communities, and waterfowl hunting opportunities for hunters in the U.S. and Canada, particularly in coastal areas of the Atlantic, Great Lakes, and Pacific regions. The SDJV has evolved from a broad science program aimed at basic understanding of this least-known group of waterfowl species, to a program focused on specific elements most needed by managers to make informed decisions about sea duck conservation. The SDJV is currently updating its strategic plan, which will focus on the following broad topics: (1) Species of management concern. SDJV considers the following species high priority because of historical or current declines, and concerns about harvest potential or habitat limitations: American Common Eider, Surf Scoter, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Harlequin Duck, and Barrow’s Goldeneye. (2) Population assessment. Improve methods that assess and monitor the status and trends of sea duck populations, and estimate population parameters to support development of models for management applications. (3) Harvest management. Improve assessment of fall/winter general hunting and spring/summer subsistence hunting to ensure that effective harvest strategies and regulatory frameworks are in place for sea duck populations. (4) Marine and terrestrial landscape conservation. Objectives in this focal area include: (a) finalize and disseminate the Sea Duck Key Sites Habitat Atlas; (b) assess the impact of potential stressors in key habitats from anthropogenic sources such as oil and gas development, wind energy development, aquaculture, and increased Arctic shipping; and, (c) develop methods to minimize such impacts to sea ducks. (5) Assess potential future stressors. Address data gaps regarding new and emerging issues, such as climate change and the recovery of predator populations, and how they may affect sea duck distribution and habitat use. (6) Human dimensions. Improve sea duck management by increasing integration of biological and social objectives, including the values of Indigenous communities, the public, hunters, birdwatchers, the conservation community, and industry. In FY 2022, the SDJV will accept proposals for the following priority research needs stepped down from our broader focal areas identified above. With this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), there is greater interest on studies that apply at larger scales than on site-specific studies at non-randomly selected locations. SDJV is also interested in projects that include objectives focusing on engagement of Indigenous communities, outreach and communication, student support, and development of new partnerships. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the SDJV Coordinators and JV associates in advance of submitting proposals to ensure that they understand the specific nature of the issues and consider advice on previous scientific work. More information on the SDJV’s previous work, strategies, and priorities is outlined in plans, reports, and products archived at http://seaduckjv.org/. SDJV priority research needs for FY 2022 include: Information on migratory connectivity and habitat use of sea ducks to improve survey design, harvest management, and development of conservation actions. New studies could target geographic gaps from previous satellite telemetry studies or analyze existing datasets. Priorities include, but are not limited to, large-scale projects that provide information on population delineation (Pacific vs. Atlantic) for species where populations overlap, and projects focusing on priority sea duck species. Improve the quality of data and information from aerial surveys by exploring alternative protocols, improved analytical methods, or new technology with a focus on identifying sea ducks to species and reducing observation biases. Desired products include: (a) A review of current efforts, information and technological gaps, and suggestions for future research and efforts. This would require assembling and reviewing the current methods available to automate the counting and speciation of sea ducks in aerial photographs and remotely sensed imagery, and determining the similarities, differences, strength, weaknesses, and most likely paths forward for automated counts of birds. (b) A method to integrate high-definition aerial survey data being collected at offshore wind areas throughout the Atlantic coast with sea duck monitoring priorities. Studies focused on estimating rates of fecundity (e.g., estimating breeding propensity, nesting phenology, clutch size, nest success, and/or fledging success on the breeding areas, or determining fall or winter age and sex ratios to provide an index of annual productivity) and survival (all life stages, and including harvest) of priority sea duck species. Large-scale projects focused on investigating factors that influence these demographic parameters and provide information to inform harvest estimates and population-level management decisions will be prioritized. Projects that test capture methods, occur in new areas, and/or contribute to developing cost-effective, large-scale approaches may also be considered for short-term funding. Identify and characterize ecological attributes of habitat used by priority sea duck species to determine critical dependencies and vulnerabilities to anthropogenic effects and climate change. Large-scale studies, and those focused on areas where increased development/human use is anticipated, will be prioritized. Desired products include, but are not limited to: (a) estimates of energetic demands or time activity budgets for molting or wintering sea ducks to inform future estimates of landscape carrying capacity, and (b) evaluation and prediction of the effects of climate change on sea ducks, including changes in northern breeding areas and coastal habitats, altered phenology of life history patterns, changes in food resources and predator landscapes, and other conditions that degrade or enhance productivity and survival. Improve harvest estimates of North American sea ducks for fall/winter general hunting and spring/summer subsistence hunting to ensure that effective harvest strategies and regulatory frameworks are in place. Desired products include, but are not limited to, estimates of the size and composition of the harvest, an assessment of the derivation and distribution of the harvest, an assessment of the values and concerns of stakeholders, and collection of Indigenous Knowledge regarding historical and current subsistence use of sea ducks. Assess the effect of changing predator communities (e.g., bald eagle, polar bear, mink, fox) on sea duck foraging behavior, breeding success, diurnal and long-term distribution patterns, and the effects of potential distribution shifts on the interpretation of survey data from long-term monitoring studies.