Resource Search

Tracking the establishment and spread of existing and new invasive species is critical to effectively manage invasive species. In addition to standard means of monitoring, the USGS is developing new tools, particularly molecular techniques, to assist in the early detection of invasive species. Provides research information about eDNA and Genetic Tools for Zebra and Quagga Mussels.

On August 5, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) received notification from a local wholesale aquarium company in Renton of possible invasive freshwater mussels on a shipment of Marimo moss balls (Aegagropila linnaei). Moss balls are a commonly used decorative algae in aquariums and water gardens. Lab testing confirmed the mussels were zebra mussels (Dreisena polymorpha), a prohibited aquatic invasive species in Washington that, if established in local waters, would be capable of causing significant infrastructure and environmental damage. Zebra mussels and a close relative, the quagga mussel, are not known to be established in Washington.

See also: Surveying and Monitoring section for more resources

We need your help to monitor for and report northern giant hornet sightings. By participating in a northern giant hornet citizen scientist project, you are helping protect your community from northern giant hornets.

Since the first report of a northern giant hornet in Washington in 2019 (known as the Asian giant hornet or the “murder hornet” back then), the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) Pest Program has been working to eradicate northern giant hornets. The best time to participate is from July through November. You are most likely to see or catch a northern giant hornet during this timeframe because colonies are established, and workers are out hunting.

The Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) has published one of the most complete and current datasets on Invasive Alien Plants (IAP) in East and Southern Africa. This extraordinary dataset, (CABI's Africa Invasive and Alien Species data), is already being translated into new research findings and conservation action on the ground.

Laurel wilt disease has been spreading through the U.S. since 2002 and is fatal to tree species in the laurel family. Forest Service researchers are continuing to monitor the disease, search for treatment methods, and develop a better understanding of how it is affecting sassafras and other susceptible species.

See also: Laurel Wilt Disease Associated with Redbay Ambrosia Beetle for more resources

The Laurel Wilt Public Dashboard story map – a collaboration between the Georgia Forestry Commission, multiple branches of the Forest Service, and other state forestry agencies – shows the annual spread of the disease. The story map shows that new detections occur mostly in the Coastal Plain, not in the Appalachian mountains where sassafras reaches its greatest sizes.

Maine Forest Service. Winter moth was first recorded in Nova Scotia in the 1930s and then in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970's. It showed up in eastern Massachusetts in the early 2000's and has since spread into coastal Maine from Kittery to Bar Harbor. Fill out the Tree Ailment Form to help us gather information about the distribution of these moths across Maine (or use survey for any tree health or forest pest issues you're observing). 

App is for divers, science, and businesses. Divers can track actual and averages.

The Chesapeake Bay Nutria Eradication Project (CBNEP) historically used working dogs to locate invasive nutria populations across the Delmarva Peninsula. As nutria populations decreased, the transition to detection and detector dogs was necessary. Dogs can be trained to smell the evidence of specific animals and plants in an area without visual identification.