Hurricane Harvey may have opened new channels for invasive species in southeast Texas and into Louisiana, according to a new web app developed by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The species include common carp, Asian clams and a flower called the crested floating-heart.

The app uses a color-coded map to predict what water systems a species may have reached given Harvey's known flood rise. Invasive species often expand their range when rivers crest.

Officials say the app will help with decontamination and prevention efforts.

The nation spends $137 billion annually fighting invasive species, according to the Center for Bioenvironmental Research (Sara Sneath, New Orleans Times-Picayune, Sept. 25). — NB