USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database helps answer a specific question: has this fish or other aquatic organism been recorded outside its native range in the United States? Browse fishes, plants and invertebrates, inspect distribution maps and records, and follow the cited literature behind an introduction history. The program also provides a route for reporting a possible new occurrence, making the database relevant to anglers who encounter an unexpected species before an agency survey reaches the water.

A mapped point is not a complete inventory and may represent an old, uncertain or non-established occurrence. USGS warns that records differ in accuracy, scale, coverage and origin; metadata must be reviewed before analysis. Photographs, exact location and diagnostic details matter when submitting a sighting, and a local wildlife agency may require immediate notification for priority species. Do not move or release an organism to obtain better evidence. Use NAS to research and document the observation, then follow the applicable state response instructions.