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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

    Report Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

    The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission works to stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in the Commonwealth. You can help by reporting AIS.

    Report AIS

    Reporting Aquatic Invasive Species

    Anglers, boaters, and other members of the public are strongly encouraged to report any observations or angling captures of suspected aquatic invasive species (AIS) to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). While in some cases, these may end up being from areas known to the PFBC or native species that are mistaken for AIS, it’s always best to report any suspected sightings. Reporters may use the online reporting form provided on this webpage or may do so by calling the Pennsylvania Invasive Species Reporting hotline at 1-833-INVASIV. Gathering information with your report such as the location (county, waterbody, and directions or geographic coordinates) and a photo of the suspected AIS are helpful for PFBC staff to investigate reports and confirm species identity. When in doubt, report!

    In particular, the PFBC is interested in reports of “early detection” AIS, which are species that may be new to a particular waterbody, region, or even a completely new invader to the Commonwealth. You can learn more about early detection species and get to know a few examples by visiting the Pennsylvania iMapInvasives webpage. 

    Visit PA iMapInvasives

    Know the Prohibited Species

    The following aquatic species are prohibited in Pennsylvania (sale, barter, possession or transportation).

    • Bighead carp (Hypophtalmichtys nobilis)
    • Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)
    • Crayfish (all species) except when they are either transported:
      • (i) As bait on, in or about the water from which taken.
      • (ii) For testing and scientific purposes or restaurant consumption, adequate measures have been taken to prevent their escape and they are accompanied by documentation stating the point of origin and the destination to which they are to be delivered
    • European rudd (Scardinius erythropthalmus)
    • Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis)
    • Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)
    • Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus)
    • Silver carp (Hypophtalmichtys molitrix)
    • Snakehead (all species)
    • Tubenose goby (Proterothinus marmoratus)
    • Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
    Report an Aquatic Invasive Species