The project purpose is to minimize the harmful ecological economic and human health impacts of aquatic invasive species through the prevention and management of their introduction expansion and…

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a $121,510 Project Grant under the Fish and Aquatic Conservation - Aquatic Invasive Species (CFDA 15.608) program to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. The grant will fund activities to minimize the harmful ecological, economic, and human health impacts of aquatic invasive species in Pennsylvania through prevention and management initiatives. Key efforts include leadership and policy coordination, public outreach and education, operation of a mobile boat cleaning station, and surveying bait shops for unauthorized baitfish. Expected outcomes are improved communication and coordination on invasive species issues, enhanced public awareness, and identification of high-risk introduction pathways. A $98,687 sub-award was made to The Pennsylvania State University to assist with implementation of Pennsylvania's Aquatic Species Management Plan as part of this project.

The project purpose is to minimize the harmful ecological economic and human health impacts of aquatic invasive species through the prevention and management of their introduction expansion and dispersal into within and from pennsylvania. Activities to be performed include leadership coordination and policy activities though continued participation in state regional and national aquatic invasive species forums outreach and education activities through continued development and implementation of programs and materials to prevent aquatic invasive species introduction and spread across pennsylvania support for a mobile self service boat cleaning facility surveying pennsylvanias bait shops for unauthorized baitfishes. Expected outcomes include the communication and coordination of pennsylvania invasive species issues with government agencies non governmental organizations and industry members providing education and information to the public about invasive species and methods of preventing their introduction and spread providing a mobile boat cleaning station for boaters to clean and dry their boat and gear and to identify and prioritize highest risk pathways for the introductions of harmful aquatic species into pennsylvania waters. Subrecipient activities include leadership coordination and policy activities outreach and education activities and support of the mobile self service boat cleaning facility.