15.963: southwest border resource protection programsam.GOV link: click here for the SAM.GOV assistance listingthis program provides financial assistance to educational institutions, nonprofit…

The Department of the Interior National Park Service (NPS) awarded a Cooperative Agreement valued at $200,994 to Cedo Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans, Inc. under the Southwest Border Resource Protection Program (CFDA 15.963), effective September 1, 2025, with a completion date of December 31, 2026. This award supports ongoing conservation efforts for native freshwater fish species in the Sonoyta River region along the United States-Mexico border, specifically targeting the Quitovaquito-Sonoyta pupfish and Mexican longfin dace.

The funded project encompasses three primary deliverables: (1) improvement of conservation pond infrastructure in Hermosillo to support species preservation; (2) assessment of feasibility for reintroducing native fish populations at Quitovac Oasis; and (3) support for local school-based conservation initiatives that incorporate traditional ecological knowledge from the Tohono Oodham Nation. These activities build upon over 25 years of work by the Sonoran Desert Native Freshwater Fish Working Group and include ongoing fish population monitoring and educational programming. The project benefits diverse stakeholders including nonprofit and public institutions, research scientists, engineers, public decision makers, and the general public.

15.963: southwest border resource protection programsam.GOV link: click here for the SAM.GOV assistance listingthis program provides financial assistance to educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, tribes, and local and state agencies to improve resource stewardship, achieve international cooperation, provide meaningful interpretation and conduct scientific research, which will lead to increased appreciation and understanding of our shared natural and cultural heritage along our international border with mexico. For over 25 years, the sonoran desert native freshwater fish working group has worked to protect native freshwater fish species in the sonoyta river, focusing on the quitovaquito-sonoyta pupfish and the mexican longfin dace. In 2021, the group resumed activities, monitoring fish populations, enhancing pond infrastructure, and promoting educational programs that incorporate traditional knowledge from the tohono oodham nation. This project aims to continue species protection efforts by improving conservation pond infrastructure in hermosillo, assessing the feasibility of reintroducing native fish in quitovac OASIS, and supporting local schools involved in conservation initiatives. Beneficiaries include profit organizations, public nonprofit institutions organizations, private nonprofit institutions organizations, non-federal government entities, industry and public decision makers, research scientists, engineers, and the general public.