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Wesley Daniel, Ph.D.

Wesley Daniel is a Fishery Biologist at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, and leads the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database.

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Filter Total Items: 13
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An oxbow in a river with green vegetation and foliage and blue skies.

Future Aquatic Invaders of the Northeast U.S.: How Climate Change, Human Vectors, and Natural History Could Bring Southern and Western Species North

There are significant investments by states and resource agencies in the northeast U.S. for invasive aquatic species monitoring and management. These investments in jurisdictional waters help maintain their use for drinking, industry, and recreation. It is essential to understand the risks from invasive species, because once established, species can be costly to society and difficult or impossible
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Climate Adaptation Science Centers
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Future Aquatic Invaders of the Northeast U.S.: How Climate Change, Human Vectors, and Natural History Could Bring Southern and Western Species North

There are significant investments by states and resource agencies in the northeast U.S. for invasive aquatic species monitoring and management. These investments in jurisdictional waters help maintain their use for drinking, industry, and recreation. It is essential to understand the risks from invasive species, because once established, species can be costly to society and difficult or impossible
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USGS science for a changing world logo

Implementing FAIR practices: Storing and displaying eDNA data in the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database

We are working to incorporate environmental DNA (eDNA) data into the Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database, which houses over 570,000 records of nonindigenous species nationally, and already is used by a broad user-base of managers and researchers regularly for invasive species monitoring. eDNA studies have allowed for the identification and biosurveillance of numerous invasive and threaten
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Community for Data Integration (CDI)
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Implementing FAIR practices: Storing and displaying eDNA data in the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database

We are working to incorporate environmental DNA (eDNA) data into the Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database, which houses over 570,000 records of nonindigenous species nationally, and already is used by a broad user-base of managers and researchers regularly for invasive species monitoring. eDNA studies have allowed for the identification and biosurveillance of numerous invasive and threaten
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Coastal Everglades

An Assessment of Invasive Species Range Shifts in the Southeastern U.S. and Actions to Manage Them

Species are on the move as they respond to climate change. This includes many native species, but also species with high costs to society such as disease vectors, pests, and nonnative invasive species (an invasive species is a species that is not native to a specific location but is spreading with the tendency of causing damage to native plants and animals). Currently there are hundreds of invasiv
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Climate Adaptation Science Centers
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An Assessment of Invasive Species Range Shifts in the Southeastern U.S. and Actions to Manage Them

Species are on the move as they respond to climate change. This includes many native species, but also species with high costs to society such as disease vectors, pests, and nonnative invasive species (an invasive species is a species that is not native to a specific location but is spreading with the tendency of causing damage to native plants and animals). Currently there are hundreds of invasiv
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USGS science for a changing world logo

Establishing standards and integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) data into the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database

Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing allows for high sensitivity monitoring efforts of cryptic species in large, remote systems and is performed by investigating water and soil samples for sloughed DNA. Having access to eDNA datasets across multiple taxa and ecosystems is necessary for improved coordination among researchers and management. Additionally, quality control protocols are needed to vet inc
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Community for Data Integration (CDI)
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Establishing standards and integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) data into the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database

Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing allows for high sensitivity monitoring efforts of cryptic species in large, remote systems and is performed by investigating water and soil samples for sloughed DNA. Having access to eDNA datasets across multiple taxa and ecosystems is necessary for improved coordination among researchers and management. Additionally, quality control protocols are needed to vet inc
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USGS science for a changing world logo

National Public Screening Tool for Invasive and Non-native Aquatic Species Data

Identifying the leading edge of a biological invasion can be difficult. Many management and research entities have biological samples or surveys that may unknowingly contain data on nonindigenous species. The new Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Database automated online tool “SEINeD” (Screen and Evaluate Invasive and Non-native Data) will allow a user to search for these nonindigenous occurren...
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Community for Data Integration (CDI)
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National Public Screening Tool for Invasive and Non-native Aquatic Species Data

Identifying the leading edge of a biological invasion can be difficult. Many management and research entities have biological samples or surveys that may unknowingly contain data on nonindigenous species. The new Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Database automated online tool “SEINeD” (Screen and Evaluate Invasive and Non-native Data) will allow a user to search for these nonindigenous occurren...
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ARM map of starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) sighting in Medicine Lake in Minnesota on August 3rd, 2018

The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Alert Risk Mapper (ARM)

The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) program has developed a new tool, the NAS Alert Risk Mapper (ARM), to characterize waterbodies in the conterminous U.S. and Hawaii at potential risk of invasion from a new nonindigenous species sighting.
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Ecosystems, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Alert Risk Mapper (ARM)

The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) program has developed a new tool, the NAS Alert Risk Mapper (ARM), to characterize waterbodies in the conterminous U.S. and Hawaii at potential risk of invasion from a new nonindigenous species sighting.
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Micropterus dolomieu (smallmouth bass)

Defining Native Ranges of U.S. Inland Fishes

Understanding the native versus non-native range of a species can provide useful information about dispersal, population distribution patterns, and human mediated movement across hydrologic barriers. The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Program is working with partners to define native ranges of inland fishes in the United States to help identify which species should be included in the NAS...
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Ecosystems, Species Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Defining Native Ranges of U.S. Inland Fishes

Understanding the native versus non-native range of a species can provide useful information about dispersal, population distribution patterns, and human mediated movement across hydrologic barriers. The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Program is working with partners to define native ranges of inland fishes in the United States to help identify which species should be included in the NAS...
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Initial NAS FaST map of potential spread of coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui) from flooding associated with Hurricane Lane.

The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Flood and Storm Tracker (FaST)

Storm-related flooding can lead to the potential spread of nonindigenous (or non-native) aquatic species into waterways they have not been seen in before. The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species program has developed an innovative mapping tool to help natural resource managers with post-storm nonindigenous aquatic species detection and assessment efforts.
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Ecosystems, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Flood and Storm Tracker (FaST)

Storm-related flooding can lead to the potential spread of nonindigenous (or non-native) aquatic species into waterways they have not been seen in before. The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species program has developed an innovative mapping tool to help natural resource managers with post-storm nonindigenous aquatic species detection and assessment efforts.
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USGS science for a changing world logo

Knowledge Extraction Algorithms (KEA): Turning Literature Into Data

Identifying, extracting, and mobilizing information from current and historical literature is a time-consuming part of organizing and collating synthetic data productions. This project explored the use of algorithm-based methods to identify and extract occurrence information from the GeoDeepDive (GDD) literature database to support upkeep of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) data. The GeoDee
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Community for Data Integration (CDI)
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Knowledge Extraction Algorithms (KEA): Turning Literature Into Data

Identifying, extracting, and mobilizing information from current and historical literature is a time-consuming part of organizing and collating synthetic data productions. This project explored the use of algorithm-based methods to identify and extract occurrence information from the GeoDeepDive (GDD) literature database to support upkeep of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) data. The GeoDee
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USGS science for a changing world logo

National Alert Risk Mapper for Nonindigenous Aquatic Species

The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Database and Alert System (https://nas.er.usgs.gov/default.aspx) provides a framework for the rapid dissemination of new invasions as they are incorporated into the NAS Database. The system notifies registered users of new sightings of >1,330 non-native aquatic species as part of national-scale early detection and rapid response systems (EDRR), and in suppor
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Community for Data Integration (CDI)
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National Alert Risk Mapper for Nonindigenous Aquatic Species

The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Database and Alert System (https://nas.er.usgs.gov/default.aspx) provides a framework for the rapid dissemination of new invasions as they are incorporated into the NAS Database. The system notifies registered users of new sightings of >1,330 non-native aquatic species as part of national-scale early detection and rapid response systems (EDRR), and in suppor
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Great Lakes highlighted map

Great Lakes Aquatic Nuisance Species Information System

The Great Lakes Aquatic Nuisance Species Information System (GLANSIS) was developed by the NOAA Great Lakes Science Center to monitor nonindigenous aquatic species introductions into the Great Lakes region.
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Ecosystems, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Great Lakes Aquatic Nuisance Species Information System

The Great Lakes Aquatic Nuisance Species Information System (GLANSIS) was developed by the NOAA Great Lakes Science Center to monitor nonindigenous aquatic species introductions into the Great Lakes region.
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Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database and Website (NAS)

Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Program

Welcome to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) information resource for the United States Geological Survey. Located at Gainesville, Florida, this site has been established as a central repository for spatially referenced biogeographic accounts of introduced aquatic species. The program provides scientific reports, online/realtime queries, spatial data sets, distribution maps, and general...
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Ecosystems, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Invasive Species Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Program

Welcome to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) information resource for the United States Geological Survey. Located at Gainesville, Florida, this site has been established as a central repository for spatially referenced biogeographic accounts of introduced aquatic species. The program provides scientific reports, online/realtime queries, spatial data sets, distribution maps, and general...
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The North American Freshwater Migratory Fish Database (NAFMFD): Characterizing the migratory life histories of freshwater fishes of Canada, the United States, and Mexico

We developed the North American Freshwater Migratory Fish Database (NAFMFD) that synthesizes current knowledge of migratory status, pattern, and behavior for native and non-native freshwater fish species throughout North America, including 1,241 species representing 79 families and 322 genera.
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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Native ranges of freshwater fishes of North America

Background: The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Database functions as a repository and clearinghouse for the occurrence of nonindigenous aquatic species information from across the United States. The Database contains locality information on more than 1,300 species introduced as early as 1800, including freshwater vertebrates and invertebrates, aquatic plants, and marine fishes. Taxa include b
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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Waterfalls and Rapids in the Conterminous United States Linked to the National Hydrography Datasets V2.0

This GeoJSON dataset contains information about 10780 waterfall and 1080 rapid locations (referred to as falls throughout the metadata) and characteristics (e.g. type and height) for the conterminous United States. This dataset centralizes known information about falls while providing basic quality control (i.e. resolving duplicate records and spatial accuracy checks) and linkages to stream networ
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Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS)

Locations of mines and mining activity in the contiguous United States 2013

This dataset includes locations and associated information about mines and mining activity in the contiguous United States. The database was developed by combining publicly available national datasets of mineral mines, uranium mines, and minor and major coal mine activities. This database was developed in 2013, but temporal range of mine data varied dependent on source. Uranium mine information ca
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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Nonindigenous aquatic species and potential spread after Hurricane Harvey-revised map

This refined map was created to help assess possible spread of nonindigenous aquatic species distributions due to flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey. Storm surge and flood events can assist expansion and dissemination of nonindigenous aquatic species through the connection of adjacent watersheds, backflow of water upstream of impoundments, increased downstream flow, and creation of freshwat
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Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

FishTail, Indices and Supporting Data Characterizing the Current and Future Risk to Fish Habitat Degradation in the Northeast Climate Science Center Region

Human impacts occurring throughout the Northeast and Midwest United States, including urbanization, agriculture, and dams, have multiple effects on the regions streams which support economically valuable stream fishes. Changes in climate are expected to lead to additional impacts in stream habitats and fish assemblages in multiple ways, including changing stream water temperatures. To manage str
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Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Nonindigenous aquatic species and potential spread after Hurricane Irma

This map was created to help assess impacts on nonindigenous aquatic species distributions due to flooding associated with Hurricane Irma. Storm surge and flood events can assist expansion and distribution of nonindigenous aquatic species through the connection of adjacent watersheds, backflow of water upstream of impoundments, increased downstream flow, and creation of freshwater bridges along co
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Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Nonindigenous aquatic species and potential spread after Hurricane Nate

This map was created to help assess impacts on nonindigenous aquatic species distributions due to flooding associated with Hurricane Nate. Storm surge and flood events can assist expansion and distribution of nonindigenous aquatic species through the connection of adjacent watersheds, backflow of water upstream of impoundments, increased downstream flow, and creation of freshwater bridges along co
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Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Nonindigenous aquatic species and potential spread after Hurricane Maria

This map was created to help assess impacts on nonindigenous aquatic species distributions due to flooding associated with Hurricane Maria. Storm surge and flood events can assist expansion and distribution of nonindigenous aquatic species through the connection of adjacent watersheds, backflow of water upstream of impoundments, increased downstream flow, and creation of freshwater bridges along c
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Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) 2015 Cumulative Habitat Condition Indices with Limiting and Severe Disturbances for the Conterminous United States linked to NHDPlusV1 v2.0

This CSV file contains cumulative fish habitat condition index (HCI) scores generated for river reaches of the conterminous United States as well as indices generated specifically for four spatial units including local and network catchments and 90 m local and network buffers of river reaches. Note that the cumulative HCI score is determined from limiting index scores generated for the four spatia
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Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS)
Filter Total Items: 15

Gaining decision-maker confidence through community consensus: Developing environmental DNA standards for data display on the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database

To advance national efforts for the detection and biosurveillance of aquatic invasive species (AIS), we employed a community consensus process to enable the incorporation of environmental DNA (eDNA) detection data into the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database (https://nas.er.usgs.gov/eDNA/). Our goal was to identify minimum standards and best practices for t
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Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Using structured decision making to evaluate potential management responses to detection of dreissenid mussel (Dreissena spp.) environmental DNA

Environmental (e)DNA tools are sensitive and cost-effective for early detection of invasive species. However, the uncertainty associated with the interpretation of positive eDNA detections makes it challenging to determine appropriate natural resource management responses. Multiple sources of error can give rise to positive detections of eDNA in a sample when individuals of that species are not pr
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Ecosystems, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

A framework to integrate innovations in invasion science for proactive management

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a rising threat to biodiversity, national security, and regional economies, with impacts in the hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars annually. Proactive or predictive approaches guided by scientific knowledge are essential to keeping pace with growing impacts of invasions under climate change. Although the rapid development of diverse technologies and approaches ha
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Ecosystems, Fort Collins Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

The North American Freshwater Migratory Fish Database (NAFMFD): Characterizing the migratory life histories of freshwater fishes of Canada, the United States and Mexico

AimMigratory freshwater fishes are those that must access discrete habitats to complete their life cycles. Freshwater fish migrations occur around the world and provide numerous ecosystem services for humans and natural systems; however, many migratory species are in decline globally. A limiting factor to successfully conserve freshwater migratory fishes is that the migratory life histories of man
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Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

A landscape approach for identifying potential reestablishment sites for extirpated stream fishes: an example with Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) in Michigan

Habitat degradation combined with climate change increases the threat of extinction for stream fishes. In response to these threats, efforts to reestablish species within formerly occupied streams or translocation to suitable areas may be effective conservation strategies. In the absence of historic species presence data, identifying locations where suitable habitat exists across many fluvial habi
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Ecosystems, Great Lakes Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Using fish community and population indicators to assess the biological condition of streams and rivers of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA

The development of indicators to assess relative freshwater condition is critical for management and conservation. Predictive modeling can enhance the utility of indicators by providing estimates of condition for unsurveyed locations. Such approaches grant understanding of where “good” and “poor” conditions occur and provide insight into landscape contexts supporting such conditions. However, as a
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Ecosystems, Water Resources, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Chesapeake Bay Activities, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

U.S. Geological Survey invasive species research—Improving detection, awareness, decision support, and control

More than 6,500 nonindigenous species are now established in the United States, posing risks to human and wildlife health, native plants and animals, and our valued ecosystems. The annual environmental, economic, and health-related costs of invasive species are substantial. Invasive species can drive native species onto the endangered species list, resulting in associated regulatory costs; exacerb
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Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Strategic considerations for invasive species managers in the utilization of environmental DNA (eDNA): Steps for incorporating this powerful surveillance tool

Invasive species surveillance programs can utilize environmental DNA sampling and analysis to provide information on the presence of invasive species. Wider utilization of eDNA techniques for invasive species surveillance may be warranted. This paper covers topics directed towards invasive species managers and eDNA practitioners working at the intersection of eDNA techniques and invasive species s
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Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Non-native poeciliids in hot water: The role of thermal springs in facilitating invasion of tropical species

Livebearers in the family Poeciliidae are some of the most widely introduced fishes. Native poeciliid translocations within the U.S. are mostly due to deliberate stocking for mosquito control. Introductions of exotic poeciliids, those not native to the U.S., are more likely to be due to release from aquaria or escape from farms. Many of these non-natives originate from warm climate regions, contra
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Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Strategic considerations for invasive species managers in the utilization ofenvironmental DNA (eDNA): Steps for incorporating this powerful surveillance tool

Invasive species surveillance programs can utilize environmental DNA sampling and analysis to provide information on the presence of invasive species. Wider utilization of eDNA techniques for invasive species surveillance may be warranted. This paper covers topics directed towards invasive species managers and eDNA practitioners working at the intersection of eDNA techniques and invasive species s
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Ecosystems, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Community for data integration 2018 funded project report

The U.S. Geological Survey Community for Data Integration annually funds small projects focusing on data integration for interdisciplinary research, innovative data management, and demonstration of new technologies. This report provides a summary of the 10 projects funded in fiscal year 2018, outlining their goals, activities, and accomplishments.
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Ecosystems, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Community for Data Integration (CDI), Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Science Data Management

The first occurrence of the Australian redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens, 1868) in the contiguous United States

The Australian redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, is a popular aquaculture crayfish that has been introduced around the world. Here we report the first occurrence of the species in the United States in Lake Balboa, Los Angeles, California. The impacts of this species are largely unknown, and further research is needed to determine the species’ effects on native ecosystems. Sampling is neede
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Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

High-throughput calculations of climatch scores

Matching climate envelopes allows people to examine how potential invasive species may match habitats. This repository contains code for using the climatchR package for high-throughput calculations of climatch scores for species using GBIF data. Climatch is based upon the climatch algorithm as implemented through the climatchR package.
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Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

climatchR: An implementation of Climatch in R

Matching climate envelopes of allows people to examine how potential invasive species may match habitats. The Australian government created Climatch to do allow for these comparisons. However, this webpage does not allow for readily scripting climate matching. Hence, the authors created climatchR, an R package (R Core Team 2020) implementing the climatch method in R. This was created to allow auto
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Ecosystems, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
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New USGS Map Identifies Non-Native Aquatic Species Potentially Spread by Hurricane Isaias Floodwaters

The USGS has released the initial Flood and Storm Tracker (FaST) map for Hurricane Isaias, the Category 1 storm that swept up the mid-Atlantic coast...

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