15.608 Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance

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Invasive species management is a high priority for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. If left unmanaged, invasive species can displace native fish, wildlife, and their habitats. The University of Alaska ¿ Anchorage, Institute of Social and Economic Research (UAA-ISER), will develop standardized protocols in Alaska for detecting the presence or absence of Elodea (Alaska's first aquatic invasive plant) or other aquatic invasive plant populations. Given the complex nature of trying to detect an aquatic plant, it is important that agencies and their partners use standardized survey protocols. Current survey methods used by State and Federal agencies and their partners are likely to yield different results based on several factors, including differences in survey effort, timing, resources available, surveyor experience, and water conditions. The objective of this project is to work with the University of Alaska, Anchorage, to develop and field test a standardized surveillance protocol for moving water systems in Alaska. The outcome of this collective effort will help maximize the effectiveness of the investments already being directed towards early detection surveys across the state.

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