Watching the Aliens

Big Data analytics has become a powerful tool in monitoring invasive species, with ecologists saying that with the problem of invasive species being on such a large scale, it is essential to analyse lots of data through studying several ecosystems. Supercomputers can help conduct analysis of the terabytes of data available, allowing data to be processed much more quickly. The previouslymentioned GARP software programme, developed at the San Diego Supercomputer Centre, can perform modelling analysis using a genetic algorithm to predict the potential distribution of an invasive species, and these models can be visualised as distribution maps using GIS. The model has been deployed successfully in several studies, for example in 2007 when it predicted that large estuaries including Chesapeake Bay in the US were at risk of invasion of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). Just one month later crabs were discovered in the estuary´s waters.