Welcome to the
Aquatic Nuisance Species Page

Aquatic nuisance (or invasive) species (ANS) are nonindigenous species that threaten the diversity or abundance of native species or the ecological stability of infested waters, or commercial, agricultural, aquacultural or recreational activities dependent on such waters. ANS include nonindigenous species that may occur in inland, estuarine and marine waters and that presently or potentially threaten ecological processes and natural resources. In addition to adversely affecting activities dependant on waters of the United States, ANS adversely affect individuals, including health effects. One important criterion that the PSMFC uses to judge a species as a "nuisance" is its ability to harm commercial and recreationally important fisheries.

Beginning in 1999, recognizing the potentially huge economic impact to its operations from zebra mussels (and secondarily mitten crabs), the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) contracted with the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC), to conduct an aquatic nuisance species prevention program for the Columbia River Basin. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and NOAA Fisheries also provide program support. Aquatic Nuisance Species projects administered by the PSMFC include green crab (pictured above), atlantic salmon, and mitten crab monitoring and education, invasive marine seaweed research, and ballast water research.

Funding provided by:

Quick Resources

LATEST NEWS

EPA Proposes Vessel Discharge Permits (June 16, 2008)

Washington Releases Invasive Species Strategic Plan (June 5, 2008)

New ANS Guide Available from OSU Sea Grant -- On the Lookout for Aquatic Invaders (May 2008)

USGS California Quagga/Zebra Distribution Map” (May 2008)

PSMFC Releases New Zebra Mussel Video (May 2008)

NEW GARDENSMART OREGON BOOKLET SHOWS ALTERNATIVES TO INVASIVE PLANTS (May 14, 2008)

Santa Clara County considers reservoir boat ban because of zebra/quagga mussels (May 13, 2008)

Quagga Sniffing Inspection Dogs Deployed in California” (March 31, 2008)

Mark your calendars -- 16th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species, April 19-23, 2009, Montreal

Effects of Climate Change on Aquatic Invasive Species and Implications for Management and Research (March 2008)

Grant to Fund Commercial Development of a Natural Biopesticide for Control of Zebra/Quagga Mussels (March 10, 2008)

Quagga Mussel Threat Closes Lake Casitas, California (March 7, 2008)

USFWS Releases Risk Evaluation of Asian Carps in the Columbia River Basin (February 2008)

Protecting against mussels must be priority in Oregon” (February 10, 2008)

Great Lakes: -- Shrinking Salmon: Lack of prey contributing to decline (February 7, 2008)

Felt – Bottom Wading Boot Debate (January 10, 2008)

Biological Synopsis of the Chinese Mitten Crab (É. Veilleux and Y. de Lafontaine, 2007)

Study Shows Western Streams Loaded With Non-Native Fish, Amphibians (November 30, 2007)

Middle Columbia River Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Survey (Portland State University, November 2007)

Quagga Sniffing Dogs (October 25, 2007)

Black Carp Listed as Injurious Fish Under the Lacey Act (October 18, 2007)

Southern California Metropolitan Water District to Spend $ 6 Million on Quagga Mussel Control (September 11, 2007)

Quagga Mussels Found Near San Diego (August 24, 2007)

Archived News

Get the latest ANS News from Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers.

PACIFIC BALLAST WATER GROUP PAGE

ZEBRA MUSSELS

Become a Zebra Mussel Volunteer Monitor

If you see a Zebra Mussel, please call 1-800-437-2744 or 1-877-786-7267

ATLANTIC SALMON

Atlantic Salmon Escape and Recovery Data for Alaska, British Columbia and Washington