Fish and Aquatic Conservation – Aquatic Invasive Species

Prior to FY26, this assistance listing also included the Invasive Mussels (15.691) and Invasive Carp (15.692) subprograms. Both of those were broken out and established as unique assistance listings during the FY26 cycle as referenced above.

Prior to FY25, this program included the Great Lakes Sea Lamprey and the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act subprograms. As of FY25, these programs have standalone Assistance Listings (15.687 and 15.688). Prior to FY23, this program included the National Fish Passage and National Fish Habitat Partnership subprograms. These programs have standalone assistance listings (15.685 and 15.686).

Aquatic nuisance species (ANS), also known as aquatic invasive species, are organisms that produce harmful impacts on aquatic ecosystems or agricultural, aquacultural, or recreation activities dependent on these ecosystems. ANS may occur in freshwater, estuarine, and marine waters and are one of the most significant threats to waters of the United States. The Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) was established by Congress with the passage of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act in 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.) and reauthorized with the passage of the National Invasive Species Act in 1996. Composed of Federal and ex-officio members, the ANSTF works with partners to protect the waters of the United States by creating a coordinated, unified network that raises awareness and takes action to prevent the introduction and spread of ANS and manage their populations when needed. The ANSTF also works in conjunction with its six Regional Panels and issue-specific subcommittees to coordinate its efforts among Federal and State agencies as well as efforts of the private sector and other North American interests.

This listing encompasses two financial assistance programs associated with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.

Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force – Funding to support the host organizations of the six Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.

State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans – Funding to support States in the implementation of their State or Interstate ANS Management Plans that have been approved by the ANSTF.

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.