Summary
The U.S. government is offering cash prizes up to $200,000 for ideas to stop invasive aquatic species that cost over $1 billion annually. The competition, "Halt the Hitchhiker: Invasive Species Challenge", seeks methods to prevent these species from spreading through boats without harming the environment.
Key Facts
- The initiative targets aquatic invasive species using watercraft as a transport method.
- Quagga, zebra, and golden mussels are specifically mentioned as harmful species.
- These mussels cause damage by clogging infrastructure like pipes and pumps.
- The Bureau of Reclamation is organizing this challenge.
- The competition includes multiple phases with various cash prizes.
- The first phase awards up to six participants $25,000 each.
- Prototype development will occur in the final phase, with prizes of up to $125,000.
- The competition welcomes ideas from any industry or technical field.
