WASHINGTON - SUNY Buffalo State College will receive $99,756 from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Specifically, Buffalo State will assess the invasive potential for high-risk Ponto-Caspian fish from European shipping ports. The college will then assess Great Lakes ports to identify high-risk locations and time periods that are a strong habitat match for these high-risk invasive fish. This data will be used to focus surveillance and early detection efforts for invasive Ponto-Caspian fish likely to adapt to the waters of the Great Lakes.

Cornell University will receive $227,484 from the EPA. Specifically, Cornell will increase efforts by government agencies and nongovernmental organizations in the Lake Ontario region to communicate with anglers and boaters about the risks that invasive species pose to the Great Lakes

“This federal investment is great news and demonstrates the urgent need to stop the spread of invasive species in Great Lakes in their tracks,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, who announced the grants. “It’s an important step in protecting the recreational value, fishing opportunities, property values, tourism, and beauty of the area. I applaud the EPA for supporting Buff State’s program and its work to eradicate and prevent the presence of invasive species like the Ponto Caspian.”

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is the largest investment in the Great Lakes in two decades. A task force of 11 federal agencies developed an action plan to implement the initiative. This action plan covers fiscal years 2010 through 2014 and addresses five urgent issues: cleaning up toxics and areas of concern; combating invasive species; promoting nearshore health by protecting watersheds from polluted run-off; restoring wetlands and other habitats; and tracking progress and working with strategic partners. With input from citizens as a guide for 2012 and 2013, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative will clean up areas of concern, reduce nutrients entering the Lakes, and prevent the introduction of new invasive species.