; (2) to conserve the habitats of those species; and (3) to address other threats to the survival of those species. 303. Definitions In this title: (1) Conservation The term conservation means the use of all methods and procedures necessary to protect habitats of freshwater mussel species in the United States and the freshwater mussel species in those habitats, including— (A) protection, restoration, and management of the habitats; (B) onsite research and monitoring of— (i) freshwater mussel populations; (ii) freshwater mussel habitats; (iii) annual freshwater mussel reproduction; and (iv) freshwater mussel species population trends; (C) assistance in the development, implementation, and improvement of national and regional management plans; (D) enforcement and implementation of applicable conservation laws; and (E) community outreach and education. (2) Freshwater mussel The term freshwater mussel means any member of the order Unioinida. (3) Fund The term Fund means the Freshwater Mussel Conservation Fund established by section 305(a). 304. Freshwater mussel conservation assistance (a) Assistance (1) In general Subject to the availability of funds, and in consultation with other Federal officials, the Secretary shall provide competitive financial assistance, including multiyear grants, for projects for the conservation of freshwater mussels in the United States and for which a project proposal is approved by the Secretary under subsection (c). (2) Use of existing authorities Assistance provided under this section shall be carried out in a manner consistent with authorities available to the Secretary under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). (b) Project proposals (1) Eligible applicants A project proposal may be submitted to the Secretary under this section by— (A) a relevant State or Tribal agency, research institution, or nonprofit organization with the expertise required for the conservation of freshwater mussels in the United States