Fish and Aquatic Conservation - Aquatic Invasive Species

Established by the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA), the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) implements a program for waters of the United States to prevent introduction and dispersal of aquatic nuisance spec

Prior to FY26, this assistance listing also included the Invasive Mussels (15.691) and Invasive Carp (15.692) subprograms. Both of those were broken out and established as unique assistance listings during the FY26 cycle as referenced above. Prior to FY25, this program included the Great Lakes Sea Lamprey and the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act subprograms. As of FY25, these programs have standalone Assistance Listings (15.687 and 15.688). Prior to FY23, this program included the National Fish Passage and National Fish Habitat Partnership subprograms. These programs have standalone assistance listings (15.685 and 15.686). Aquatic nuisance species (ANS), also known as aquatic invasive species, are organisms that produce harmful impacts on aquatic ecosystems or agricultural, aquacultural, or recreation activities dependent on these ecosystems. ANS may occur in freshwater, estuarine, and marine waters and are one of the most significant threats to waters of the United States. The Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) was established by Congress with the passage of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act in 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.) and reauthorized with the passage of the National Invasive Species Act in 1996. Composed of Federal and ex-officio members, the ANSTF works with partners to protect the waters of the United States by creating a coordinated, unified network that raises awareness and takes action to prevent the introduction and spread of ANS and manage their populations when needed. The ANSTF also works in conjunction with its six Regional Panels and issue-specific subcommittees to coordinate its efforts among Federal and State agencies as well as efforts of the private sector and other North American interests. This listing encompasses two financial assistance programs associated with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force - Funding to support the host organizations of the six Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans - Funding to support States in the implementation of their State or Interstate ANS Management Plans that have been approved by the ANSTF.

Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force - Applications limited to the six organizations responsible for administering and managing ANSTF Regional Panels. State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans - Eligible applicants are ONLY the States, or Territories, or Indian tribes involved together with States and/or Territories in an interstate organization, that have an ANS Management Plan that has been approved by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.

Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force - Applications limited to the six organizations responsible for administering and managing ANSTF Regional Panels. State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans - Eligible applicants are ONLY the States, or Territories, or Indian tribes involved together with States and/or Territories in an interstate organization, that have an ANS Management Plan that has been approved by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.

Funding specifically for aquatic nuisance species (e.g. aquatic invasive species) work tied to the Regional panels and the State Plans. Funding cannot be used for land purchase and/or construction projects. 1 - For the Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) grants, see the program contact information below. 2 - For the State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plans grant program, see the program's Notices of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov.

Funding is only for activities related to the aquatic nuisance species efforts of the ANS Task Force Regional Panels and the State or Interstate ANS Management Plans and cannot be used on terrestrial or native species. Funding cannot be used for land purchase and/or construction projects.

Awarded funds must be spent prior to the appropriations cancellation date. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Program obligates funds and sends a notice of award to successful applicants. Recipients request funds in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles, or as unless otherwise dictated by program-specific legislation or special award terms. Program will include any special payment terms and conditions in the notice of award.

1 - Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF): None 2 - State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plans - This Program has a two-stage application process. For the first stage - the Preliminary National Review - each State entity prepares a pre-proposal which is submitted outside of Grant Solutions to the Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species, Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program, at the Service Headquarters office. See the program's Notice of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov for program contact information, annual application procedures and deadlines.

1 - Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) - These six grants are sole source awards (directed announcements) to fund the host organizations of the six Regional Panels that were chosen by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. 2 - State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plans - Funding is divided as evenly as possible among all eligible States that successfully apply for funding.

For State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan grants see the program's Notice of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov for program contact information, annual application procedures and deadlines.

Deadlines vary by subprogram. For the State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan grant program, see the program's Notice of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov for program contact and annual application deadlines and procedures. For Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) grants, see the program contact information below.

See program's Notice of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov for program contact and details on a representative range of the time required for the program to approve/disapprove an application.