The Alaska Aquatic Invasive Species Clearinghouse (AK Aqua) is a database and mapping application that provides temporal and geospatial information for invasive aquatic species in Alaska. Taxa profiles and associated planning documents are provided for many of the species listed in AK Aqua. These data are primarily intended to support the identification of problem species, thus promoting early detection and rapid response across Alaska. Data are also used in a variety of research and modeling activities.
The AK Aqua products are the result of an ongoing cooperation among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, KBNERR, and ACCS, in support of the Alaska Invasive Species Partnership (AKISP) and the Alaska Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan. KBNERR administers the mapping application, database, and website associated with the project, while project funding is granted by collaborators.
Contact for AK Aqua
For questions or comments, including procedures for managing or submitting data, please contact Kim Schuster.
Citation for AK Aqua Data
AK Aqua. (Year). Alaska Aquatic Invasive Species Clearinghouse. Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, Alaska Center for Conservation Science, University of Alaska Anchorage. Accessed (Month, Date, Year). Available online: https://accs.uaa.alaska.edu/invasive-species/aquatic-invasive-species/
Other Resources
Alaska Invasive Species Partnership (AKISP)
Aims to heighten the awareness of the problems associated with non-native invasive plants and to bring about greater statewide coordination, cooperation and action to halt the introduction and spread of undesirable plants.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Information on invasive plant species considered ‘high priority threats’.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species funds and coordinates aquatic invasive species activities across the country.
National Invasive Species Information Center (NISC)
The gateway to invasive species information; covering federal, state, local, and international sources.
Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
Taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.
Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species
19 western states and 4 provinces are working together to address invasive species issues.
National Estuarine and Marine Exotic Species Information System (NEMESIS)
Information on marine and estuarine invertebrates and algae introduced to the United States. Provided by the Smithsonian Ecological Research Center
Invasive.org
Information and images of invasive and exotic species of North America; based at The University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.
Species Information and Field Guides
Collection of materials including phytoplankton and invertebrate guides, marine toxin information, aquatic fact sheets, and management best practices.
Alaska Exotic Plants Information Clearinghouse (AKEPIC)
A database and mapping application that provide geospatial information for non-native plant species in Alaska and neighboring Canadian Territories.