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. Though not intended to be a formal Geographic Information System (GIS), MITIS provides basic functionality for the input, management, retrieval, and mapping of georeferenced biogeographic data and information.

Database users report invasive species sightings directly from their field sheets to our database via online forms. Along with taxonomic identification, ancillary environmental information such as water quality variables can be entered. Users who are program administrators can edit and delete records. All data can be subsetted, mapped, and downloaded (CSV, GML, KML formats) on the MITIS website. Because MIT Sea Grant is a distributor to the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS), individual program administrators and independent users can also opt to share their data via the OBIS web service.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.