The report describes a survey for non-indigenous species (NIS) across Kachemak Bay conducted in summer 2025. Researchers deployed PVC settlement panels, which passively collected organisms throughout the summer season. The panels were collected and analyzed to identify native and non-native species.
Three NIS were detected in this study, one of which appears to be a new record in Alaska: Proceraea okadai, a small worm that is thought to be native to Japan. This species was detected in all survey locations, which indicates that it is established in Kachemak Bay. This species is already established along the west coast of North America, and its arrival to the lower Cook Inlet was likely via ballast water or biofouling associated with vessel traffic. Potential environmental effects of this species are not well-studied.