Welcome to the California Non-native Estuarine and Marine Organisms (Cal-NEMO) database!

Cal-NEMO provides comprehensive information on introduced marine and estuarine invertebrates and algae in California. The database contains everything from brief overviews of species and taxonomic groups to detailed records on the history of spread. The creation of NEMESIS and Cal-NEMO has involved years of research and literature review, and remains an ongoing project. Records are updated as new species are reported and new research is available.

Each species record contains:

• Photographic images and descriptions;
• Information on the biology, ecology, and effects (impacts);
• Global distribution maps of native and introduced range;
• Mechanisms (vectors) of introduction;
• History of introduction and spread;
• References to available literature for the species and invasion information.

Searching the Database

You can search the database by clicking here. Individual species records can be found by using common or scientific names.

You can also conduct an advanced search for specific taxonomic groups, bioregions, introduction vectors or years.

Background Information:

The California Ballast Water Management Act of 1999 initiated baseline surveys by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to document the distribution of nonindigenous species in the state’s coastal and estuarine waters. The baseline inventory was supplemented by existing data, including historical surveys and literature sources. Pursuant to the Marine Invasive Species Act of 2003, these data, and those from subsequent surveys authorized by this Act, were first published online as the California Aquatic Non-native Organism Database (CANOD) in 2007. The Coastal Ecosystems Protection Act of 2006 extended the monitoring program indefinitely to enable tracking new introductions or spread of existing nonindigenous species populations. The Act also requires annual updates to the on-line database. In 2012, CDFW agreed to merge CANOD records with the National Estuarine and Marine Exotic Species Information System (NEMESIS).