The south carolina department of natural resources is working with numerous partners to develop an aquatic planning tool to help conserve aquatic species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4 awarded the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources $254,964 under the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program (CFDA 15.634) for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. This formula grant supports the development of an aquatic planning tool designed to enhance conservation efforts for rare and freshwater fish species of greatest conservation need. The primary deliverable involves collecting critical data on freshwater fish species that were classified as data deficient during the development of South Carolina's 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan, thereby enabling these species to be incorporated into the aquatic planning tool.

The grant funding will facilitate improved conservation action implementation related to rare fish and aquatic habitats identified in the state's Wildlife Action Plan. By filling data gaps on priority aquatic species, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources—working with multiple conservation partners—will strengthen the state's capacity for evidence-based wildlife conservation planning and resource management. This project exemplifies the State Wildlife Grants Program's core objective of supporting proactive conservation strategies that prevent species decline before endangered species protections become necessary.

While working on south carolinas new state wildlife action plan, many of the freshwater fish species of greatest conservation need were classified as being data deficient. Researchers will use funds from this award to collect the data needed to incorporate these rare fish species into the aquatic planning tool. This will enhance south carolinas ability to implement conservation actions related to rare fish and aquatic habitats identified within south carolinas 2025 state wildlife action plan.