Finding Innovative Lionfish Elimination Technologies Act of 2016

“2. Competitive grants to institutions of higher education to combat lionfish in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico

“(a) In general—The Secretary of Commerce, through the Cooperative Science and Education Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration conducted under this Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.), and the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (section 101(b) of division A of Public Law 105–277; 112 Stat. 2681–50), shall award competitive grants to institutions of higher education to combat the species of lionfish Pterois miles and Pterois volitans, in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

“(b) Eligibility—To be eligible for a grant under this section, an institution must—

“(1) have established research infrastructure and proven capabilities of understanding the behavior of such species and the ecosystem of the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico; and

“(2) demonstrate a clear appreciation and understanding of the biological, chemical, and physical aspects of such ecosystem.

“(c) Use—Amounts awarded as grants under this section shall be used—

“(1) for lionfish research and the impact of such species on the ecosystem of the of the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico;

“(2) to develop innovative technologies, including autonomous cameras and active acoustic systems appropriate for coastal environments, for detection of lionfish and determination of priority areas for removal of invasive species; and

“(3) to develop lionfish mitigation technologies, including traps and countermeasures.

“(d) Authorization of appropriations—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for grants under this section $1,500,000 for fiscal years 2017 through 2021.”