Description
The ANS Task Force, within its Strategic Plan for 2020-2025 (Objective 2.2 and 2.3), identifies a need to evaluate and prioritize pathways, develop risk management strategies, and encourage implementation of non-regulatory and regulatory measures to prevent the establishment and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in waters of the United States. While evaluating pathways, the ANS Task Force determined that more information is needed to assess the risk of spreading AIS via the seaplane pathway and develop measures to mitigate this risk. This project will address these objectives. Air travel has historically connected otherwise isolated areas, providing a means to transport species from one location to another. The risk of species movement associated with commercial airplanes and air cargo carriers has been previously evaluated (e.g., Tatem, AJ. 2009. Ecography 32:99-102); however, the ANS Task Force Prevention Subcommittee found that information on the potential risks associated with seaplanes is currently lacking. Seaplanes may be a more direct risk to aquatic habitats, as opposed to passenger or cargo aircraft. For example, studies of the seaplane transportation pathway in Alaska have concluded that seaplanes have contributed to the spread of Elodea, an invasive aquatic plant within Alaska (Schwoerer, T. 2017. Doctoral Dissertation. University of Alaska, Fairbanks). The spread of Elodea could have significant economic impacts on fisheries, businesses, and recreation if left unchecked. Currently, the significance of the seaplane pathway as a vector for high-risk species, such as Dreissenid mussels, within the contiguous United States, and between Alaska and the contiguous United States is poorly understood. The Service, co-chair of the ANS Task Force, requests proposals to build upon previous studies and evaluate the risk of the seaplane pathway as a vector for AIS. This risk analysis includes two components: a risk assessment and identification of risk management actions. Phase I of the assessment is in progress to identify the range of waterbodies utilized by seaplanes, seaplane travel patterns, structural and operation risk factors related to seaplanes, and measures taken by seaplane operators to prevent the transport of AIS. Phase II of the assessment (this announcement) will conduct a risk assessment on AIS transported through the seaplane pathway and identify risk management actions to reduce the spread of AIS. Once available, the selected applicant will be provided with information from Phase I to help inform the work of Phase II. (See Supporting Document [Phase I Report Outline]; work in progress. Phase I data is expected to be available beginning in November 2022.) Information from Phase I, along with information collected by the applicant on AIS transported by seaplanes, will be used by the applicant to conduct a risk assessment, and identify risk management actions that can be taken by seaplane operators, manufacturers, and others to reduce the spread of AIS. The assessment should be conducted for the 48 contiguous states and Alaska. Your risk analysis proposal must address: Identifying what AIS potentially could be moved by seaplane operation. Identifying operational or distribution practices and behaviors that may facilitate transport of AIS. Assessing the effectiveness of measures taken by seaplane operators to prevent the transport of AIS. Developing evidence-based recommendations for preventing the establishment and spread of AIS through seaplane operation and distribution, working with seaplane pilots to ensure the recommendations are realistic and practical. Developing evidence-based recommendations for preventing the spread of AIS through seaplane manufacturing to consider possible redesign opportunities if high-risk areas of the plane are identified. It is the intent that the results of this assessment may be used by the ANS Task Force, regional ANS panels, States, and partners to develop or enhance seaplane decontamination and inspection protocols or other industry standards, processes, or programs. Risk management strategies may also inform State and non-governmental educational and awareness campaigns that inform seaplane pilots about the risks of AIS and encourage preventative behaviors to reduce this risk. Proposals submitted for this award should address how the anticipated results will assist the ANS Task Force in reaching the goal of preventing the establishment and spread of AIS by seaplanes through non-regulatory and regulatory measures. Following the assessment, the ANS Task Force will work with federal and state agency personnel and others who are actively involved with seaplane operation, seaplane manufacturing or distribution, and AIS management to facilitate adoption of the recommendations, as appropriate. Following award selection, and prior to commencement of work, the successful applicant must meet with the Service either virtually or in person. During the meeting, the applicant will summarize the work plan (methods and timetable) and review the draft outline of the final report, included in the application, with the Service. The Service will provide feedback on anticipated deliverables meeting ANS Task Force needs. Thereafter, quarterly calls to discuss progress will be required. Overall, the final report should: Summarize pertinent information from Phase I that is used as the basis for the risk management recommendations in Phase II. Identify and quantify the risk of spreading AIS though seaplane operation, including potential high-risk AIS that may be transported through this pathway. Identify any specific operational practices or behaviors of seaplane operators, manufacturers and distributers that may facilitate transport of AIS. Recommend priority best management practices to reduce the risk of AIS spread by seaplanes. Recommend possible redesign opportunities or industry standards that could be considered by seaplane manufactures to reduce the spread of AIS. Once the risk analysis is complete, the grantee will be required to present (30 – 45 minutes, in person or virtually) the findings and recommendations to the Service and ANS Task Force, along with their final risk analysis report.