Seaplane Invasive Species Risk Analysis-Phase II | F22AS00363

Opportunity Information: Apply for F22AS00363

The Seaplane Invasive Species Risk Analysis - Phase II grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F22AS00363) is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service discretionary grant focused on understanding and reducing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) through seaplane operations. It sits under the broader priorities of the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force Strategic Plan for 2020-2025, specifically the goals that call for better pathway evaluation, clearer prioritization of risks, and stronger prevention strategies that can be implemented through both non-regulatory and regulatory approaches. The basic problem the program is trying to solve is that while other aviation-related risks (like commercial air travel and air cargo) have been studied, seaplanes represent a more direct connection to aquatic habitats and may be moving organisms between waterbodies in ways that are not well documented or well managed.

A key driver behind this funding is the recognition that seaplanes can act as a vector because they routinely land on and take off from lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, creating opportunities for organisms to hitchhike in places like floats, rudders, water intakes, bilge areas, wheel wells on amphibious aircraft, or in any residual water, mud, or plant fragments trapped on the aircraft. The opportunity points to real-world evidence from Alaska, where research has linked seaplane activity to the spread of Elodea, an invasive aquatic plant that can cause serious impacts to fisheries, local businesses, and recreation if it becomes established and expands. At the same time, the announcement highlights that the seaplane pathway is still poorly understood in terms of its potential role in transporting particularly high-concern species, including Dreissenid mussels (zebra and quagga mussels), both within the lower 48 states and in travel connections between Alaska and the contiguous U.S.

This award specifically funds Phase II of a two-part effort. Phase I (already underway at the time of the announcement) is intended to map and describe the seaplane pathway itself, including what waterbodies seaplanes use, how aircraft move across the landscape, what structural and operational factors might create risk, and what preventative measures operators already take. Phase II, which is the focus of this grant, uses Phase I findings (to be provided to the selected applicant once available) along with additional information gathered by the recipient to conduct a formal risk assessment and then translate that assessment into practical risk management actions. The work must cover both Alaska and the 48 contiguous states, reflecting the concern that seaplane routes could connect very different ecosystems and regulatory environments.

The project expectations are fairly specific about what a strong proposal and final product should include. The Phase II risk analysis must identify which aquatic invasive species could plausibly be transported through seaplane operations, with attention to which species represent the highest risk and why. It must also identify operational practices, distribution practices, and pilot behaviors that may increase the likelihood of transporting AIS, such as frequent movement between waterbodies, rapid turnarounds that limit drying time, use of multiple remote lakes, limited access to decontamination infrastructure, or maintenance routines that unintentionally move contaminated water or debris. Another required element is evaluating how effective current operator-led prevention measures are, which could include voluntary cleaning, inspection routines, drying practices, or other steps pilots and companies may already be using.

A major emphasis of Phase II is turning the science into workable prevention. The recipient is expected to develop evidence-based recommendations that are realistic for the seaplane community, which means working with seaplane pilots so that the resulting best management practices are practical, adoptable, and sensitive to operational constraints. The grant also explicitly calls for recommendations aimed at manufacturers and distributors, including potential redesign ideas if the risk assessment identifies consistent high-risk parts of aircraft where water or biological material accumulates. In other words, the project is not only about changing behavior; it is also meant to consider engineering or industry-standard solutions that could reduce risk at the source.

The announcement makes clear how the government intends to use the results. The ANS Task Force, regional ANS panels, states, and partner organizations may use the Phase II findings to develop or improve seaplane inspection and decontamination protocols and to shape industry standards, processes, or programs. The risk management output is also intended to support education and outreach efforts run by states and non-governmental organizations, especially campaigns that explain AIS risks to seaplane pilots and encourage consistent preventative habits. Applicants are expected to explain in their proposals how their results will help the ANS Task Force meet its overall prevention goals, including supporting both voluntary measures and potential regulatory approaches where appropriate.

There are also clear coordination and reporting expectations. After selection and before work begins, the successful applicant must meet with the Fish and Wildlife Service (virtually or in person) to walk through the work plan, methods, timeline, and a draft outline of the final report, and to ensure the planned deliverables align with ANS Task Force needs. After that, quarterly progress calls are required. The final report is expected to do several things: summarize the relevant Phase I findings used as the foundation for Phase II recommendations; identify and quantify the risk of AIS spread through seaplane operations, including calling out high-risk species; describe specific practices by operators, manufacturers, and distributors that could facilitate transport; recommend prioritized best management practices to reduce spread; and outline possible redesign opportunities or industry standards manufacturers could consider. Once the work is complete, the grantee must also deliver a 30 to 45 minute presentation of findings and recommendations to the Service and the ANS Task Force, along with the final risk analysis report.

In terms of grant logistics, this is a Fish and Wildlife Service grant under CFDA 15.608, with an award ceiling of $80,000. The eligibility category is listed as unrestricted, meaning proposals can come from a wide range of entities, including federal-recognized tribal governments and organizations, state and local governments, public and private colleges and universities, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), individuals, and for-profit organizations (including small businesses). The opportunity was created May 19, 2022, and the original closing date for applications was August 3, 2022.

• The Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Seaplane Invasive Species Risk Analysis-Phase II" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.608.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2022-05-19.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-08-03. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $80,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

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