Nonspecific invasive species detection and treatment --- the state of mississippi, through the mississippi department of environmental quality (MDEQ), was awarded restore act spill impact component…

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) received a $1,097,550.88 Project Grant award dated May 22, 2025, from the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council under the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Oil Spill Impact Program (CFDA 87.052). Under a subaward arrangement, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) will develop a comprehensive geospatial inventory of invasive species throughout coastal Mississippi, conduct targeted treatment and removal operations for identified invasive populations, and implement monitoring protocols to assess the success of eradication efforts. The project targets non-native invasive species including giant applesnail, giant salvinia, phragmites, alligatorweed, and feral hogs that threaten coastal ecosystems.

The project directly supports Gulf Coast ecosystem restoration and economic recovery by mitigating environmental and economic impacts of invasive species that lack natural predators and outcompete native species. Deliverables focus on improving water quality, enhancing species diversity, and promoting ecosystem resilience across coastal wetlands, marine habitats, fisheries, and wildlife habitats in the Gulf Coast region. The award period extends through March 31, 2028, with performance activities conducted in Mississippi under RESTORE Act Spill Impact Component funding mechanisms designed to address impacts from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Nonspecific invasive species detection and treatment --- the state of mississippi, through the mississippi department of environmental quality (MDEQ), was awarded restore act spill impact component funds for the nonspecific invasive species detection and treatment project. Under a subaward with MDEQ, mississippi department of marine resources (MDMR) will develop a geospatial inventory of invasive species across coastal mississippi, conduct targeted invasive species treatment and removal, and monitor invasive species presence and eradication treatment success. The project will support the restoration and protection of the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the gulf coast region by mitigating the environmental and economic challenges posed by non-native invasive species such as giant applesnail, giant salvinia, phragmites, alligatorweed, and feral hogs. Areas currently infested with these species suffer deterioration, leading to a reduction in food supply, nursery grounds, and foraging habitat for native species. Many invasives lack natural predators, allowing them to outcompete native species and disrupt the biological integrity of coastal habitats having far-reaching consequences, affecting the region's economy and environment. Through effective invasive species management, the project aims to improve water quality, enhance species diversity, and promote ecosystem resilience.