Invasive Species
Invasive Species
USGS WARC science focuses on better understanding invasive species' biology and ecology and their potential for negative ecological, economic, or health impacts. WARC implements innovative approaches to help monitor the spread of invasive or non-native species, develop new methods and technologies to better detect such species, and assess their impact to the native ecosystems they have invaded.
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Asian Tiger Shrimp Distribution and Genetics
The Asian tiger shrimp began appearing in commercial shrimp catches in 2006. They grow larger than native shrimp and are known to be fierce predators - so shrimpers and managers are concerned about the potential effects this species might have.
Sources of Recurring Outbreaks of Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife) Near the Mouth of the Mississippi River
USGS researchers are examining germination of Purple Loosestrife to determine if the seed bank can reestablish this invasive species in the Mississippi Delta.
Flow Cytometry Applied to the Animal Kingdom in Studies of Natural Resource Science
Flow cytometry is a technique for rapidly analyzing large numbers of animal cells using light-scattering, fluorescence, and absorbance measurements.
Non-native Marine Fishes: Tracking Distributions with the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database
WARC scientists work with local partners to verify and document sightings of non-native marine fishes.
Fish Chat and Slam: December 3 – 5, 2024
USGS led partners on a bio-blitz-like event in southern Florida in early December 2024 to track new introductions and possible spread of non-native freshwater fishes.
Burmese Python Environmental DNA (eDNA) Surveys in the Stormwater Treatment Areas and Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed
USGS scientists have developed and optimized python-specific eDNA markers to detect Burmese pythons from water samples taken from the Florida Everglades. This development may aid in the identification of possible waterways used as corridors for northward expansion of this invasive species.
Development of a Ploidy Distinction Application: A Machine Learning Approach for Discriminating Triploid and Diploid Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in the Field
USGS scientists are researching a machine learning approach that can enable fisheries personnel in the field to determine the ploidy of wild-caught invasive carp.
Assessing Risk Communication in the Pet and Aquarium Trade: An Analysis of Outreach and Engagement Efforts
WARC researchers evaluated whether outreach campaigns targeting pet owners are effectively reaching their desired audiences, namely pet owners who might unintentionally or purposefully release their pet into the wild.
Future Aquatic Invaders of the Northeast U.S.: How Climate Change, Human Vectors, and Natural History Could Bring Southern and Western Species North
Researchers will evaluate the potential of aquatic species to invade the Northeast U.S. Following the identification of appropriate target species by regional stakeholders, researchers will gather data from the NAS database and develop models to determine habitat suitability for each species.
Multi-year Burmese Python Vital Rate Research Collaborative in the Greater Everglades
USGS researchers will track juvenile Burmese python within Big Cypress National Preserve (BICY) and collect data on snake growth, habitat use, and causes of mortality. Known-fate models will be used to estimate survival and better understand factors that influence survival.
Laboratory Investigations with Fish Species to Assist with Implementing Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program’s Ecological Management Action Plans
WARC scientists will obtain live fish specimens from the field to conduct and enhance on-going laboratory research on harmful algal blooms and the use of piscicides to control invasive fish.
Integration of Environmental DNA (eDNA) Data into the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database
USGS and Department of the Interior partners have added a new, advanced capability to the early detection and rapid response tool set – the integration of environmental DNA and sighting data in the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database.