LIS Invasive Species List

AIS Tour

AIS Background in PDF

AIS Publications

AIS Links

Sea Grant ANS Page

Long Island Sound Study

Contact Us

Long Island Sound Interstate Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan

Draft is now available for public comment. Send comments to nancy.balcom@uconn.edu

Download draft plan PDF (848 KB)

Download Appendices in PDF  (546 KB)

Invasive Species
of Long Island Sound

An Introduction to Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)*

*also called Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS)

The many descriptive terms for aquatic organisms living beyond their natural geographic range include "invasive", "introduced", "non-native", "exotic", "non-indigenous", "alien", and "aquatic nuisance". Although some introductions occur naturally, a variety of human-mediated pathways now transport great numbers of aquatic species long distances in relatively short periods of time. As a result, species from one continent may find their way past natural barriers to other continents far removed from their native lands. Whether deliberately or accidentally introduced through human activity, these introductions occur globally and all affect local biodiversity. In some cases, their presence in new habitats may also have serious socioeconomic or health impacts.

These pages are devoted to sharing information about introduced or invasive species in Long Island Sound (LIS). They include:

• a draft list of species considered invasive or potentially so
• pictures and basic background
• downloadable fact sheets
• other publications and resources
• links to other sites.

What's being done?

We welcome your comments and feedback.