PA Environment Digest Blog: Interactive Training To Help Identify And Report Aquatic Invasive Species Thru The PA AIS Field Guide App Now Available From PA Sea Grant

On June 27, Pennsylvania Sea Grant announced the release of a new online, interactive training video designed to help individuals identify aquatic invasive species (AIS) and report the sightings to natural resources managers in real time through the PA AIS Field Guide app.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are found throughout the Commonwealth’s lakes, rivers, and streams. Species such as fish, plants, reptiles, and even algae or pathogens can be considered AIS.

They are often unknowingly spread from one water body to another through outdoor activities like boating or fishing, or by the release of aquarium pets.

Once established, eradicating them can be burdensome and expensive.

Pennsylvania Sea Grant works throughout the Commonwealth on AIS issues, serves on the Governor’s Invasive Species Council, trains natural resource managers, and develops and distributes tools like the app, to educate and prevent the spread of AIS.

The PA AIS app helps users learn more about commonly found aquatic invasive species and offers tools to accurately identify them.

Users can also notify state conservation officials of the suspected species, location, and severity of the infestation right from the app.

This real time notification gives officials the details needed to investigate the sighting and respond.

The PA AIS Field Guide app was made possible through a grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

The PA AIS Field Guide app video training is available online.

The app itself is available to iPhone and Android users in their app stores.

Learn more about aquatic invasive species at the PA Sea Grant AIS webpage.

For more information on programs, initiatives, research, upcoming events and more, visit the PA Sea Grant website. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for the PA Sea Grant newsletter (bottom of the page).

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