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Early detection is essential in the fight to reduce
the spread of invasive species. Receiving
information from members of coastal communities and volunteers can greatly
improve our knowledge
of the current location and potential spread of specific species. While
the destructive effects of invasive
species are widely known, the patterns of invasion are not. Without
adequate knowledge of the extent
of the invasive species problem in any geographical area, management
plans to prevent, control, and
minimize their economic and environmental impacts are inadequate.
Easy steps to help with early detection:
• Educate yourself about invasive species in your area and also
those problem species in other areas that have a potential to show up.
• Follow aquatic invasive species prevention
guidelines when enjoying time on Georgia’s coastal waters.
• Adopt a monitoring site through the Marine Extension Service’s
Coastal Georgia Adopt-A-Wetland program (invasive
monitoring manual)
• Report any AIS sightings using the “Have You Seen Me?”
links below. You can also report any unusual sightings by contacting
us directly. When reporting, collect any specimens if possible. Specimens
can be preserved in 70% (rubbing) alcohol or by being placed in the
freezer in a Ziploc bag. Also, please include as much of the following
information relevant to the sighting as you can: Collectors Name &
Contact; Collection Date; Location (GPS if available); Number of Specimens
Dimensions; Living or Dead; What It Is Attached To; Approximate Depth
;Water Temperature; Water Salinity ;Additional Remarks
Have you seen any of the species illustrated below? If so click on
the respective image or link below to complete and submit a report to
help researchers document their spread.
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