Invasive Species Monitoring and Control
Overview
Invasive species are plants, animals and insects that are “not from here”. Often they are also referred to as exotic, non-native, or invasive. Once an invasive species becomes established, they often out-compete natural vegetation or animals, quickly take over a habitat, and can be quite destructive.
Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)
In Kodiak, Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) are not native to the Island and they have the potential to damage salmon habitat throughout Kodiak Island. The Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak Natural Resources Department (NRD) is working towards learning more about and stopping the spread of this invasive species.
Contact
Please contact the Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak at (907) 486-4449 or the Kodiak Soil and Water Conservation District at (907) 486-5574 with any information concerning crayfish sightings and the locations on Kodiak Island.
Identifying Invasive Plants in Kodiak
Kodiak’s stunning landscapes, thriving fisheries, and unique ecosystems are not only central to its identity but also vital to its economy and way of life. However, invasive species, such as non-native weeds, threaten the delicate balance of Kodiak’s natural environment. These invaders can displace native plants, alter wildlife habitats, and disrupt critical resources that the community relies upon. In Kodiak’s island ecosystems, where biodiversity is inherently more vulnerable due to isolation, the introduction of invasive weeds can have devastating ripple effects on agriculture, fisheries, and traditional subsistence practices. Identifying and addressing these species early is crucial to preserving Kodiak’s rich natural heritage, sustaining its ecosystems, and ensuring the vitality of the region for future generations.
Alaska Invasives ID - App
The Alaska Invasives ID app is a valuable tool for identifying and reporting invasive plant species in Alaska. It features an interactive key that helps users identify plants by selecting specific characteristics, with accompanying images to illustrate differences such as leaf shape and arrangement. The app provides information on over 60 high-priority invasive plants and allows for easy species reporting by capturing your current location and enabling image submissions. Reports can be saved on your device for later uploading when network connectivity is available, supporting both online and offline reporting. Additionally, the app offers real-time distribution maps centered on your location.
Download the Alaska Invasives ID app for iOS devices from the App Store. For Android devices, it is available on the Google Play Store.
