The department has developed the Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool, an application for providing vital information on species that are invasive or at risk for becoming invasive in the Mid-Atlantic region. Many of these species have been categorized into a three tier system for management: High Priority (H); Low Priority (L); and Red Alert, or not yet found in Maryland but of high concern (R) Please visit the department’s MIT.   

The department may conduct a risk assessment for new species that may be newly found in Maryland, be considered for aquaculture, or already established, The department has adopted a peer-reviewed process of risk assessment that includes scientific research and reporting used by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. More details about the risk assessment are available in the department's Technical Report.   

The department requests that the public report invasive or suspected invasive species with a picture using Maryland's Invasive Species​ Tracker, or to a subject matter expert identified in the table below.​ The department verifies reports before archiving verified data to a national database, such as USGS’ Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database or University of Georgia’s, EDDMaps. In some cases, biologists may use environmental DNA (or eDNA) to detect and monitor invasive species. Read more about eDNA with our Q&A report​.   

The department may create a rapid response plan, when determined necessary, to prevent establishment of a verified, invasive species. The department has modified FEMA's Incident Command System to develop the department's Response Plan​​