CRD announces a new web-based reporting system for non-native Asian tiger shrimp.

CRD announces a new web-based reporting system for non-native Asian tiger shrimp.

 

We need your help!  By reporting non-native Asian tiger shrimp, you help scientists better understand this species’ abundance and distribution along Georgia’s coast.  Asian tiger shrimp were first reported in the Atlantic Ocean off the Southeast U.S. more than 20 years ago following what is believed to have been an accidental release from an aquaculture facility in South Carolina. However, within a few years, the captures of Asian tiger shrimp ceased. In 2008, Asian tiger shrimp were once again reported from Georgia waters and now the species is captured from Georgia’s coastal waters on a regular basis, and can be found from North Carolina to Texas. 

 

Scientists are attempting to discover the origin of non-native Asian tiger shrimp occurring in the waters of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.  Tiger shrimp are one of the most prevalent species grown in shrimp farms around the world and can grow to be three times the size of our native shrimp. The impact of non-indigenous species on native fauna is often unknown.  Competition for food and habitat, predation, and transmission of disease may potentially impact local shrimp, as well as other species.

 

To report an Asian tiger shrimp, for information on donating tiger shrimp for research, and for assistance with species identification, please refer to the new web-based reporting system at

CoastalGaDNR.org/TigerShrimp or send questions and/or a photograph to Todd.Mathes@dnr.state.ga.us