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Alaska Center for Conservation Science

Fostering research, education, and collaboration on biological conservation and natural resource management in Alaska and the Arctic

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Aquatic Invasive Species List

KBNERR began centralizing invasive aquatic species data in 2020. While non-native species may not be detrimental to ecosystem functioning, they are considered invasive when they impact the survival of native species.

To qualify for listing, the species must be observed outside of its natural distribution range and have sufficient documentation for an observation to be verified. Observations are synthesized across numerous sources, ranging in scope from primary field records to vetted databases.

The following invasive aquatic species are either known or likely to occur in Alaska.

Scientific NameCommon NameEst. DateHabitatSpecies Report
Carcinus maenas European green crab2022Marineinfo
Botrylloides violaceus violet tunicate2008Marineinfo
Didemnum vexillum carpet sea squirt2010Marineinfo
Elodea spp. Canadian waterweed1982Freshwaterinfo
Esox lucius northern pike1972Freshwaterinfo
Pacifastacus leniusculus signal crayfish2015Freshwaterinfo

The following species have not yet been detected in Alaska, but are being actively monitored:

  • Dreissena polymorpha, zebra mussel
  • Dreissena bugensis, quagga mussel

This list is maintained by KBNERR Biologists. To report a new species, please contact Kim Schuster.

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  • Home
  • About
    • Staff, Faculty, and Students
    • Support Our Program
    • Opportunities
    • Contact
    • Our Partners
  • Research
    • Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
    • Invasive Species
    • Aquatic Ecology
    • Vegetation
    • Wildlife
    • Landscape Ecology
  • Data and Services
    • Data Catalog
    • Conservation Data Portals
    • Code Repository
    • Services
  • Publications