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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): YELL MTFWP Native Broodstock Development (P13AC00321)

What is the YELL MTFWP Native Broodstock Development opportunity (P13AC00321)?

It is a National Park Service (NPS) cooperative agreement intended to build and maintain reliable native fish broodstock sources to support conservation and recovery work in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) waters and across Montana. The core goal is to develop mutually beneficial brood sources of native fish so restoration does not rely on inconsistent or high-risk collections from the wild.

What problem is this project designed to address?

The opportunity responds to ongoing declines in several high-priority native fish species and the risks that come with relying on wild collections for restoration. It emphasizes the need for strong genetic and disease safeguards so that reintroduction and supplementation efforts do not accidentally introduce harmful pathogens or non-native genetic material.

Which species are specifically highlighted as priorities?

The notice emphasizes westslope cutthroat trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, and river-dwelling Arctic grayling as high-priority native species that have experienced substantial range-wide reductions.

Is this connected to Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing concerns?

Yes. The opportunity notes that all three highlighted species have been proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act, and it describes Arctic grayling as "warranted but precluded" for listing.

What is the main conservation approach described in the announcement?

The approach is to establish and maintain dependable, screened broodstock sources so that restoration programs can proceed without depending on inconsistent or high-risk wild collections, and so that genetic integrity and fish health protections are built into broodstock development and subsequent reintroductions or supplementation.

Why does the announcement emphasize cross-boundary coordination?

Because fish populations and watershed threats do not stop at park or state boundaries. The notice references a broader partnership framework between state and federal resource managers and points to interagency conservation strategies and memoranda of understanding that prioritize coordination across jurisdictions.

Who are the primary partners in this cooperative agreement?

The project is structured as a collaboration between the National Park Service (NPS) and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP).

What makes this a cooperative agreement instead of a standard grant?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement to reflect substantial NPS involvement and shared operational responsibilities. The notice describes joint coordination and collaboration on collections, movement of gametes, and recordkeeping, rather than a hands-off grant structure.

What responsibilities does MFWP have under the project?

MFWP is responsible for hands-on hatchery and laboratory components, including providing the supplies, materials, and labor to rear native fish gametes at state-operated hatcheries while meeting strict isolation standards. MFWP also conducts genetic analyses of samples from wild fish and performs fish health screening to detect pathogens that could disqualify donor or recipient populations.

What responsibilities does NPS have under the project?

NPS primarily supports the effort through reimbursement of eligible MFWP expenses tied to accomplishing the project objectives (with FY2013 costs referenced via an attached exhibit in the agreement materials). In addition, NPS shares joint responsibilities with MFWP for coordination and collaboration on collections, movement of gametes, and maintaining careful records related to transfers and introductions.

What types of work are explicitly mentioned (genetics, health, hatchery tasks)?

The announcement specifically references: hatchery rearing of native fish gametes under strict isolation standards; genetic analyses of samples from wild fish to assess donor suitability for broodstock development and recipient suitability for broodstock-derived fish; and fish health screening to detect pathogens that could disqualify donor or recipient populations.

What are "donor" and "recipient" populations in this context?

Donor populations are wild fish populations that may be appropriate sources for broodstock development. Recipient populations are waters or populations that may be suitable to receive broodstock-derived fish for reintroduction or supplementation, subject to genetic and fish health screening.

Why is genetic screening a key requirement in this work?

The notice stresses that genetic safeguards are essential to protect native or wild fish integrity. Introducing non-native genetic material into a broodstock program or restoration water could undermine or ruin the receiving population and negate restoration investments.

Why is fish health (pathogen) screening emphasized?

Because introducing pathogens could undermine entire restoration investments. The opportunity describes fish health screening as necessary to detect pathogens that could disqualify a population from serving as a donor or recipient.

Why is the work described as time-sensitive?

Genetic and pathogen screening must be completed within a narrow window before embryos mature. If results are not available in time, embryos cannot be safely incorporated into broodstocks and may need to be destroyed.

What are the risks of proceeding without rigorous safeguards?

The announcement highlights that introducing non-native genetic material or pathogens into broodstock programs or restoration waters could effectively ruin the receiving population and negate the costs and effort invested in restoration.

What kinds of coordination are NPS and MFWP expected to do together?

They coordinate and collaborate on collecting fish, gametes, and the necessary genetic and health samples in both Yellowstone National Park and Montana. They also jointly manage movement, introduction, and dispersal of gametes to and from hatchery facilities, while maintaining careful records.

Why is recordkeeping called out as important?

The notice frames careful recordkeeping and chain-of-custody style coordination as central to protecting genetic integrity and biosecurity when gametes and fish are moved between collection sites and hatchery facilities.

What is the funding opportunity number and program identification listed?

The funding opportunity number is P13AC00321. The notice also indicates it falls under CFDA 15.944 (Natural Resource Stewardship).

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

Who is eligible to apply based on the notice?

The eligible applicant category listed is state governments, aligning with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) as the intended partner.

How many awards were anticipated and what was the estimated funding amount?

The notice anticipated a single award with an estimated total funding amount of $21,000.

Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated in the information provided.

What were the key dates for this opportunity?

It was posted on July 18, 2013, with an application closing date of August 18, 2013, and an archive date of September 17, 2013.

How long is the agreement term?

The agreement term is five years from the date of the last signature, unless ended earlier under termination provisions referenced in the full agreement.

How does NPS provide financial support under this agreement?

NPS support is described primarily as reimbursement of eligible MFWP expenses tied to accomplishing the project objectives. The agreement materials reference FY2013 costs via an attached exhibit.

Who is the point of contact listed for access or administrative questions?

The notice points to the NPS financial assistance agreements officer, Tina Holland, for access or administrative questions.