The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
The grant program focuses on Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) to aquatic invasive species, aligned with national priorities to safeguard America's lands and waters from invasive species threats. It aims to improve coordination and partnerships, advance science and technology, and support strategic actions on the ground to detect and swiftly eradicate invasive species posing significant risks before they can establish and spread. Key activities include identifying high-risk invasive species and hotspots, developing detection tools, enhancing rapid response capabilities, and establishing a pilot Rapid Response Fund for managing aquatic invasive species. The program also involves creating an online clearinghouse for sharing current information and best practices to guide implementation efforts effectively.