H.R. 9299: Advancing Next-Generation Genetic Learning for Effective Resource Strategy Act

This bill would create a new federal grant program for eDNA sport fish surveys. eDNA, or environmental DNA, is genetic material found in water or sediment that can be used to detect what species are present in an area without catching them directly.

What the program would do

The Secretary of the Interior, working with the Department of Commerce, NOAA, and the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, would set up a grant program called the eDNA Sport Fish Survey grant program. The program would provide money to eligible applicants to develop and run projects that use eDNA methods in sport fish surveys.

Who could apply

Eligible applicants would include:

• State governments
• Local governments
• Tribal governments
• Colleges and universities
• Nonprofit organizations

Applicants would need to submit an application in a form and on a schedule set by the Secretary.

How the grants could be used

Grant recipients would use the funds to incorporate eDNA monitoring into sport fish surveys. The bill says these projects should help:

• Expand sampling to larger areas, including remote or under-surveyed places
• Increase how often surveys are done
• Improve identification of fish species and estimates of fish populations
• Provide more data for fisheries management and conservation
• Detect invasive species
• Monitor endangered species

How grants would be awarded

The Secretary would be encouraged to have grantees work with State and Tribal fish and wildlife agencies. The bill also says priority should go to applicants that show they plan to collaborate with other eligible entities.

Data collection and funding

The Secretary would also try, where practical, to collect data on how well each funded project works. The bill authorizes $4 million per year from fiscal years 2027 through 2033 to carry out the program.

Relevant Companies

None found.