USGS develops a drainage-based system to track ANS introductions

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Program has tracked the distribution of introduced species for more than 20 years. This effort began with foreign fishes in Florida and later expanded to include aquatic nuisance species nationwide. The tracking database contains locational and temporal data for introductions and spread. This data is generally derived from literature, museum collections, state monitoring programs, and reports from professionals at state and federal agencies. Analysis of this data can be helpful in displaying any patterns that may be present in introductions of aquatic nuisance species and developing a management plan to prevent spread. To produce maps and perform analysis, all data are referenced geographically at the finest scale possible (state, county, drainage, waterbody, point). Data reported in the literature range from state or regional lists of introduced species to exact time, date, and location of collections or releases. Often, vague locality reports make it difficult to obtain accurate answers in fine-scale analysis.