Introduced and Cryptogenic Species of the North Atlantic

Interactive Map Site
To report an invader, use the Hitchhhiker's Guide data entry form on our Marine Invader Tracking and Information System.

Rapid Assessment Surveys

In August 2000 and 2003, a team of taxonomic experts examined floating docks and piers throughout the New England coast to identify native and non-native species. This rapid assessment survey identified 34 introduced organisms, several of which were identified for the first time in this region, and 37 organisms whose native geographic distribution is unknown (referred to as cryptogenic). A report on this study is available for download (2.2MB PDF file). For more information on the Rapid Assessment Surveys, see the RAS Fact Sheet.

Carcinus maenus, the European Green Crab, was introduced to North America in the 1800's. This predator now ranges from Nova Scotia to Delaware.
Photo Credit: Paul Erickson

Invasive Species Maps

The maps available through the link below depict individual sightings of introduced species (non-native species) and cryptogenic species (species of unknown origin). They include data from the rapid assessment surveys discussed above, as well as from the public Hithchhikers Guide program, other research programs, and sightings by individual scientists.

Species Descriptions

Information on taxonomic grouping, common name, range, and characteristics for each organism is accessible by clicking on the scientific name above the map, or by going directly to our species description pages below.

Introduced Species descriptions.
Cryptogenic Species descriptions.

Rapid Assessment Survey Participants

The following people participated in the 2000 and/or 2003 Surveys:

Taxonomic Experts:
Robert Bullock	2000	2003	University of Rhode Island
Dale Calder	2000		Royal Ontario Museum
James Carlton	2000	2003	William College - Mystic Seaport
John Chapman	2000		Oregon State University
Andrew Cohen	2000		San Francisco Estuary Institute
Harlan Dean	2000		Harvard U., Museum of Comparative Zoology
Nicole Dobroski	2000	2003	Williams-Mystic Maritime Program
Peter Dyrynda	2000	2003	University of Wales, Swansea
Ryan Fisher		2003	Salem State College, Biology Dept.
Larry Harris	2000	2003	University of New Hampshire
Niels Hobbs	2000	2003	University of Rhode Island
Gretchen Lambert	2000	2003	Friday Harbor Laboratory
Charles Lambert	2000	2003	Friday Harbor Laboratory
Eric Laso-Wasem		2003	Yale University, Peabody Museum
Arthur Matheison	2000	2003	University of New Hampshire
Maria-Pia Miglietta		2003	Duke University, Biological Sciences
Judy Pederson	2000	2003	MIT Sea Grant College Program
Julian Smith		2003	Winthrop University
Seth Tyler	2000		University of Maine Orono
Megan Tyrell	2000	2003	MA Coastal Zone Management
Judith Winston	2000		Virginia Museum of Natural History
Other Participants:
Kevin Cute	2000		RI Coastal Resources Management Council
Chris Deacutis	2000	2003	Narragansett Bay Estuary Program
Jennifer Dijkstra		2003	University of New Hampshire
Leo McKillop		2003	University of New Hampshire
Evangelin Schwindt	2000		Argentina Port Doctoral Student
Jan Smith	2000	2003	Massachusetts Bays Program
Becca Toppin		2003	University of New Hampshire

Funding

Major funding for the Rapid Assessment Surveys was provided by:
NOAA National Sea Grant
US EPA

For more information on this study, or questions, please contact Dr. Judith Pederson.

These pages are still under development, and not all information will be immediately available. We welcome your comments and suggestions as we continue to develop this site.

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this page last updated on: 28 April, 2010