Invasive Species

 "The stakes are high when invasive species are unintentionally introduced into our nation's waters, they endanger ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and threaten native species. They disrupt people's lives and livelihoods by lowering property values, impairing commercial fishing and aquaculture, degrading recreational experiences, and damaging public water supplies."                        Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) reside in water bodies and are identified as being non-indigenous to our natural ecosystem.  Millions of dollars are being spent annually by federal, state, and local organizations to manage infestations of AIS.  While other species such as Round Goby, Spiny Waterflea, Rusty Crayfish, Sea Lamprey, and Grass Carp exist, three specific menaces are described here and to date have created the largest cost and ecological impact.

Click to run a flash presentation on invasives