Storm surge and flooding events can assist the expansion and distribution of
nonindigenous aquatic species through the connection of adjacent watersheds, backflow
of water upstream of impoundments, increased downstream flow, and/or creation of
freshwater bridges along coastal regions. The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species
(NAS) program's Flood and Storm Tracker (FaST) maps are available to help natural
resource managers with post-storm nonindigenous aquatic species detection and
assessment efforts. The FaST maps are easily accessible, informative, and provide the
most up-to-date information to resource managers about potential new invasions and act
as an additional tool for early detection and rapid response (EDRR) systems.
