NOWRAMP Expedition Initial Results LACK OF ALIEN MARINE INVERTEBRATES AND ALGAE: Initial observations suggest that unlike with fish and terrestrial species, no alien marine invertebrates (sponges, mollusks, crustaceans bivalves, etc.) exist in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands except Midway. This contrasts dramatically from the main Hawaiian Islands where many invertebrates have been introduced into the marine environment via shipping traffic at the port. Similarly, no alien algae was found. Even algae that is known to be invasive were found across the chain, but in low abundance. However, alien algae may be present, but the areas where these species would be found, in ports and tidepool areas, were not surveyed.