Business Support to Improve Markets for Invasive Carp in Arkansas - Grant Application

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) is requesting applications from qualified businesses who can increase market access and commercial harvest of invasive carp (i.e. Silver, Bighead, Black and Grass Carp) through the establishment and operation of remote buying location(s) in Arkansas. Increasing market access to commercial fishers supports the overall goal of the AGFC's Invasive Carp Harvest Incentive Program (ICHIP), which is to develop a commercial harvest based invasive carp control program to increase biomass removal and reduce their abundance and distribution in Arkansas waters.

Grant applications are intended to provide AGFC with information to assist in the selection of one or more businesses for awarding grants. Grant recipients will be required to enter into a sub-grant agreement with AGFC, in order to receive the award. The award will be issued in the form of a per pound reimbursement for invasive carp purchased from resident commercial fishers through the remote buying location(s). Given the geographic scope of invasive carp populations across Arkansas, grants may be awarded to multiple businesses to establish buying locations near multiple water bodies. Submission of an application in no way constitutes a commitment by the AGFC to award a grant.