Marine Invader Tracking and Information System (MITIS)MITIS is a web-based data service intended to support marine introduced species monitoring in the Northeast United States. It hosts data collected as part of scientific survey initiatives and volunteer monitoring programs. Species sightings may be reported directly to our database via online forms listed in the "Data Entry" section below. Continue reading "Background Information" for an overview of the programs contributing to the database. Data related to organisms sighted during surveys can be queried, mapped, and downloaded through the link below the map at right. Geospatial and tablular data are available for download in standard formats. |
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| Background Information | |||
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Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) Program A RAS is conducted by a team of marine species experts to identify both native and introduced species found at selected sites. The goal of an RAS is to make a quick assessment of introduced species present and use this information to document their distribution and collect environmental data. Surveys were conducted in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2010. In 2000, the RAS was conducted in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. In 2003, the RAS was expanded to include most of the Northeast U.S. from Maine to New York City. In addition to species samples, ancillary environmental data such as water temperature and salinity are also taken. The 2000 and 2003 surveys provide a baseline of species in fouling communities and, for those monitored over time, show the changes in introduced and cryptogenic populations versus the native populations. This allows scientists to analyze the spread of the species and predict future changes in the marine population. The introduced species may impact local communities. According to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force website over 15% of introduced species cause serious harm; introduced species negatively impact at least 42% of endangered species; and the cost associated with major introduced species in the USA alone is on the order of $100 billion per year (Lee 2002; Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force). More information on marine invasive species can be found on MIT Sea Grant's marine bioinvasions pages. |
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Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative (MIMIC) The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) established MIMIC in 2006 to serve as an early detection network for marine invasive species across New England. MIMIC is a partnership between state and federal agencies, scientific experts, volunteers, and nonprofits that seeks to expand monitoring efforts for marine invasive species by training volunteers to identify 20 established and potential marine invaders. Our goals are: (1) to find introduced non-native marine species before they spread and/or become established in the ecosystem, (2) to educate the general public about marine invasive species and how to reduce their spread, and (3) to provide data to all interested users. For more information about the MIMIC program and invasive species, please see CZM’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program page at: http://www.mass.gov/czm/invasives/index.htm |
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Coastal Habitat Invasives Monitoring Program (CHIMP) CHIMP is aimed at developing effective management policies and identifying the locations at highest risk for marine invasives. To these ends, CHIMP collects information about the current locations, abundance, and characteristics of these species along the shoreline. Monitoring is carried-out by teams of trained volunteers. For further information, please visit the CHIMP program pages. |
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Hitchhiker's Guide to Exotic Species The MIT Sea Grant Hitchhiker's Guide to Exotic Species is a field guide for beachcombers, students and other interested citizens. It is printed on waterproof paper and contains color photographs and identification information on several introduced species and a few native species (for comparison). It may be used simply for information, or to help track the spread of invasive species. More information can be found on the Hitchhiker's Guide to Exotic Species web page. |
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Recreational Diver Monitor Program The Recreational Diver Monitor program is a volunteer effort utilizing recreational divers to identify and report the location of 10 invasive species. Volunteer divers are recruited through various media, dive clubs, and dive shops and are provided with several hours of species identification training. This training includes information on field marking of the targeted species, hands-on practice with sample organisms, and training on how to collect and report the monitoring information. Volunteers are provided with laminated information cards for each species and with data collection forms and instructions. |
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Data Entry
* Javascript must be enabled in your web browser to use all forms below. Select the form corresponding to the data sheet or guide you used in the field. * |
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| MIMIC Standard Method - [ Form Guide ] | |||
| Hitchhiker's Guide to Exotic Species - [ Form Guide ] | |||
| User Services | |||
| Change Password | |||
| Add Sites | |||
| Add Observers | |||
| View Data |
| this page last edited on: 25 August, 2010 |