15.608 - Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance

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), has with worked with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to assess the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species throughout Alaska via float planes using Bayesian hierarchical modeling techniques and analysis that they developed. This project would be a continuation of that effort and is designed to better inform our understanding of preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species in Alaska via watercraft. UAA-ISER has also worked with other local partners across the state to assess the risk of spreading Elodea and other species from local water bodies. Thus, UAA-ISER has both the technical expertise and experience which makes them uniquely qualified to perform the described activity.