While it’s important long-term to look for and document where all species in all corners of Maine have been found and not found, there are certain native and invasive species that capture the attention of scientists, jump out at us in headlines, or interest a particular community.
Through ongoing conversation with our scientist network and their community challenges, we’ll keep a finger on Maine’s hottest species – those dwindling, those on the doorstep, those taking over – and Maine’s hottest spots most vulnerable to or impacted by invasive species introductions.
We can’t emphasize enough that these are not the only species of interest or concern in Maine, just a quick glance of those that are calling out most loudly for Maine’s attention at this moment in time.
Marching up Maine’s coast from the south, Dr Larry Harris and others are concerned about the impact of this green alga on native marine communities. Codium was found in Kennebunk by student team MSK_md and in Cape Elizabeth by Old Orchard Beach student team OOB_the_hunt. Is it reaching north of Casco Bay?
ID card: Dead man's fingers
This invasive tunicate reproduces quickly, forms dense impenetrable mats, has no predators, and has begun altering the Gulf of Maine’s ocean floor and prominent fishing grounds. The squirt likes to start deep, then move into the lower intertidal. Where is it? What impact is it having on our native marine communities?
Out-competed by the invasive common periwinkle (Littorina littorea), native rough periwinkles are a rare find along Maine’s intertidal. They were tirelessly looked for and not found by the PetitTeam in Steuben. Where are they?
ID card: Rough periwinkle
Lobstermen are likely to pull up traps laden with didemnum before it reaches the intertidal where the mermaid- and scuba-free among us will be able to find it.
An infestation of the “worst of the worst" freshwater aquatic plants was recently found by a citizen scientist in Damariscotta Lake. Hydrilla is a submersed plant that grows dense mats and clogs waterways. It’s a master at reproduction, employing flowers, turions, tubers, and fragmentation. The Damariscotta Lake infestation was expertly documented by Vital Signs’ iSpyaSign. More early detection, please!
ID card: Hydrilla verticillata
Invasive milfoil species are on the move in Maine. Eurasian watermilfoil was recently found and chemically treated in a small cove in Belgrade’s Salmon Pond. Variable milfoil in Little Sebago Lake, Lake Arrowhead, and others are an ongoing management issue for residents and local lake associations. Citizen scientist team stuckinmuckagain happily did not find variable watermilfoil in Falmouth’s Highland Lake this fall. Where will it move next?
ID card: Variable watermilfoil
ID card: Eurasian watermilfoil
Didymo is one of Maine’s most unwanted freshwater species. Dubbed rock snot for its appearance, this single-celled algae forms dense impenetrable mats in stream- and riverbeds. In states to our south and west it has completely altered fish habitat and aquatic food webs. Early detection in Maine is key. Is there any goo with the texture of wet wool growing on the rocks in you favorite stream?
Relatively little is documented about the whereabouts of native and invasive crayfish in Maine. Dr Karen Wilson is heading up a statewide crayfish survey to help determine population distribution. Invasive crayfish like the rusty crayfish pose a real threat to Maine’s native crayfish and trout populations. Vital Signs students have already contributed found and not found crayfish observations to this statewide effort. Where did you last see (or not see) a crayfish when you were out mucking around?
ID card: Crayfish
Invasive aquatic plants travel incredibly quickly and easily from one water body to another by boat. A small unnoticed fragment is all it takes to establish a new aggressive population. This makes areas near public boat launches particularly prone to new introductions. Is there a boat launch near you?
Southern Maine is on the lookout for the Asian longhorn beetle. It’s as close as Massachusetts, and if ever introduced to Maine it promises to have a devastating impact on maple trees, other hardwoods, and the species that rely on these trees to survive. Look up. Do you see any spotted beetles with very long black and white banded antennae?
It’s pretty. It looks nice in our gardens and along our highways in late summer. But it’s compromising the diversity of plants and animals in Maine’s wetlands and fields. Purple loosestrife is reported in all but three Maine counties. ThePeople, manyeyes, and mirving have all been documenting the whereabouts and spread of this now well-established, prolific seed producer. Are there hints of purple in your cattail marshes? Are your roadsides purple in late fall?
ID card: Purple loosestrife
Seems this member of the mustard family has its sights set on being one of the most common herbs in our region. It grows almost anywhere, but prefers moist, shady habitats. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is particularly concerned about this species because of its incredible ability and potential to out-compete native understory plants in Maine's forests. Garlic mustard is currently in Maine but its whereabouts have not been thoroughly documented....yet!
Areas that have undergone a natural or human-caused disturbance are particularly vulnerable to invasive species. With exposed soil to work on, no natural predators to contend with, and competitive traits on their side, invasive species are able to quickly establish populations. Is there a construction project happening nearby?
Humans and everyday human activities are an invasive species' best friend. We purposely and inadvertently carry species with us from one place to another. In urban areas, along major roadways, and in landscaped areas you are more likely to encounter an invasive species. Do you live in a well-populated or rural area of Maine?
Is there is a species or spot of interest to you that you’d like to get on the Vital Signs community radar? Tell us about it.
