Japanese skeleton shrimp found in Nateekin Bay

Observation by Elizabeth Mears:

Japanese Skeleton Shrimp are an invasive species and were introduced to the port of Dutch Harbor around the early 2000's. The shrimp has been known to have a negative impact on marine species and the natural resources. Historically, the cold temperatures made it difficult for invasive species to travel and survive during shipping traffic. However, the Japanese Skeleton Shrimp have been found near docks and being transported by boats. What make this observation so unique is that these Japanese Skeleton Shrimp were found on a line attached to a buoy in Nateekin Bay which is a little ways away from the docks. This observation was found by Shayla Shaishnikoff and her brother Landen Shaishnikoff.

Comment by Melissa Good:

Japanese skeleton shrimp have been documented on the Spit Docks in Iliuliuk Bay for awhile now through the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Plate Watch program. I ran this program locally but Linda McCann mccannl@si.edu is a great contact for those efforts with SERC. I'm happy to send a bioblitz report on this. There has also been anecdotal reports from golden king crab fisherman of Japanese skeleton shrimp on their pot lines. I would recommend collecting a sample for verification through the SERC program.