This agreement will facilitate information gathering capabilities and strategies to address key components of invasive species threats in terrestrial habitats of pacific island parks

Funding Agency: National Park Service (NPS), Department of the Interior

Federal Grant Program: Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945)

Awardee: University of Hawaii at Hilo

Award Amount: $107,368.04

Award Period: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2027

The University of Hawaii at Hilo will develop and implement information gathering capabilities and strategies to address invasive species threats in terrestrial habitats across Pacific Island parks. This cooperative agreement supports early detection of invasive species and identification of associated management techniques that enable park managers to prioritize conservation actions and restore native species populations. The project will collect and analyze data across multiple monitoring protocols while implementing new technologies to improve information collection efficiency and develop novel management solutions and priorities for invasive species control in Pacific Island National Park System units.

The products and services delivered under this award will enhance ecosystem resilience and improve native habitat health by providing park managers with effective, data-driven, and prioritized conservation strategies. By fulfilling a unique regional role within the NPS Pacific Islands Network, the project will generate integrated information products that support science-based resource management decisions and strengthen the NPS's capacity to address complex invasive species challenges in a geographically distinctive area.

This work will collect data focused on early detection of invasive species and associated techniques for park managers to prioritize actions against invasive species and restore native species. IT will fulfill a unique role in the pacific islands network as IT will collect and analyze data across multiple monitoring protocols, implement new technologies for more efficient information collection, and propose new solutions and priorities for park management efforts of invasive species. This information will enable effective and prioritized conservation strategies, enhance ecosystem resilience, and improve the overall health of native habitats.