STOP Aquatic Invasive Species With the “PA AIS” App
Pennsylvania Sea Grant has developed a number of tools to help improve the early detection and rapid response of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Pennsylvania, including Pennsylvania’s Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species, and a mobile version, the “PA AIS” app which is available for download for Apple and Android Phones.
The “PA AIS” app features 70 species of invasive algae, aquatic and facultative plants, fish, invertebrates, pathogens, and reptiles. While in the app, users can quickly identify a species, learn more about the threats, and report the sighting to natural resource managers, in real time. This reporting feature gives officials the details needed to investigate the sighting and to quickly respond.
The app also features prevention tips to help anglers and boaters properly clean their gear to ensure that AIS are not transported betweeen waterbodies.
The “PA AIS” app was made possible through a grant from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
