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 seeks to address the rapid expansion of invasive Quagga and Zebra Mussels in the Western United States, focusing on containment, prevention, and response efforts. It aims to fund proposals that fulfill the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters (QZAP 2.0) within the states encompassed by the Western Regional Panel, excluding Canada and Mexico. The goals include limiting the spread of invasive mussels through watercraft inspection and decontamination, protecting ecosystems by establishing prevention programs at high-risk locations, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, enhancing education and outreach on prevention, building capacity for detecting and responding to new infestations, and supporting research on prevention efficacy and non-target species impacts of control methods. About $2,200,000 is allocated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for fiscal year 2024 to support projects aligned with these priorities.