Mitigate the risk of coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) spreading through the micronesia region and to mitigate CRB populations in guam

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded the University of Guam $300,040 on September 1, 2026, through Cooperative Agreement AP26PPQFO000C384 to mitigate the risk of coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) spreading through the Micronesia region and control CRB populations in Guam.

The University of Guam will maintain detector dog inspections for CRB in outbound cargo destined for CRB-free Pacific islands, maintain a CRB panel trap network at ports of entry, and conduct bi-annual monitoring of CRB feeding damage on coconut palms. These traps and inspections will prevent movement of CRB into sensitive cargo loading areas where infestation could increase the risk of transport off Guam to other islands in Micronesia or the U.S. mainland. Data collected will inform consultations with port and commercial cargo loading operations to develop procedures that minimize CRB risk in exported cargo, shipping containers, and passenger baggage streams.

Performance occurs in Guam. The period of performance runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027. The award includes no sub-recipients.

Obligated funds cover personnel (research assistants and project lead) at $202,617; fringe at $40,523; travel for vehicle maintenance and mileage at $3,600; supplies for canine consumables at $6,164; veterinary, kennel, and handler certification services at $8,000; and indirect costs at $39,136.

Intended beneficiaries include Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawaii, other CRB-free Pacific islands, and U.S. states with palm production.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to mitigate the risk of coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) spreading through the micronesia region and to mitigate CRB populations in guam.

Activities

Maintain detector DOG inspections for CRB in outbound cargo destined for CRB-free pacific islands; maintain CRB panel trap network at ports of entry; continue BI-annual monitoring of CRB feeding damage on coconut palms. Deliverables and expected outcomes: these traps and cargo inspections will help prevent movement of CRB into sensitive cargo loading areas, where they could become a greater danger for transport off guam to other islands in micronesia or the U.S. Mainland; the data will assist in consultations with port and commercial cargo loading operations to develop and encourage procedures that minimize the risk of CRB making their way into exported cargo, shipping containers or passenger baggage streams. Intended beneficiary(IES): guam, commonwealth northern marianas island (CNMI), hawaii, other islands in the pacific who do not have CRB, U.S. States who have palms and/or palm production. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: no subawards. Financials: personnel (research assistants, project lead) = $202,617; fringe = $40,523; travel (vehicle maint, mileage) = $3,600; supplies (canine consumables) = $6,164; other (VET, kennel, handler cert) = $8,000; indirect = $39,136