Specifications include, but are not limited to: The scope of the engagement may include, but is not limited to, the management of invasive aquatic vegetation in the project area. Bidders should outline costs for data collection and management using shallow draft vessels. Data collection includes the use of a GPS device to capture the locations of alligator weed and areas where it has been treated. Efforts will initiate in areas of known infestation and expand into surrounding areas as directed by the State. The bidder will coordinate with the State on a frequent basis to track management activities. Aquatic Vegetation Management - Currently, MDEQ and MDMR have a management effort in place to control the invasive Amazonian Apple Snail (Pomacea maculate) in the project area. During apple snail management efforts, it has been observed that alligator weed vegetation mats are source areas and transport vehicles for apple snails. The application of herbicidal treatments on mats not only destroy and sink mats serving as a restorative ecosystem service function of estuarine systems, but also makes apple snails highly visible, and more available for capture. MDMR currently does limited application of alligator weed in the lower Pascagoula system, but not at a scale that is needed to maximize control and reduce impacts. Invasive aquatic vegetation management by boat will initiate in areas previously documented by MDMR as infested with alligator weed. Crews will then treat invasive aquatic vegetation identified by the apple snail management effort throughout the project period of performance. Coordination with the State will inform the timing, duration, and frequency of the treatments across the project area. The contractor will also coordinate with the State regarding the appropriate methods and chemicals to use to control and manage the vegetative invasive species.
