USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Alert System

USGS developed the NAS Alert System to track the spread of nonindigenous aquatic species nationwide. Now, users can report nonindigenous aquatic species they observe, automatically receive email alerts, or perform searches on aquatic species. The system is flexible, providing two different perspectives – one to a user interested in an area, the other to users interested in a species – whether the user chooses automatic alerts or prefers to search the site.

This system has been needed, and requested for a long time by natural resource managers and biologists, particularly those with federal agencies, and is an important component in building a rapid response system. Managers need to know what is new to their area, or new to a nearby area, in order to respond quickly. Conversely, managers are encouraged to report these new occurrences to the NAS database so the information can be disseminated.

The alert system is tailored to provide natural resource managers the information they request to help them plan and manage the impact of non-natives on native species and habitats in their states, parks or conservation areas. It is also used by people interested in research and conservation, or those simply interested in the spread of invasive aquatic animals.

Users can sign up for “State Watches”, “Group Watches” and/or “Species Watches”. Detailed explanations of each of these can be found on the registration page.

Before the alert gets to your inbox, the information is checked against the National Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database that tracks aquatic introductions to make sure it is a new location. An alert is then sent to those who signed up for that taxonomic group, species, or state.

To sign up for the free service go to Register.

Archives of past alerts are available at AlertSystem and can be queried by state, date, and/or taxonomic group.

Learn how the system works