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Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes | Ohio Sea Grant

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Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes

There’s an invasion in the Great Lakes! Non-native species can cause a great deal of ecological harm and push out culturally, environmentally, and economically important native species. Check out this fact sheet for a quick overview of what’s out there!

Published: Apr 15, 2015
Last Modified: Aug 18, 2016
Length: 2 pages
Direct: Permalink

Contributors

Tory Gabriel

Tory Gabriel

Extension Specialist, Program Manager, Ohio Sea Grant College Program

Mrs.  Sarah Ann Orlando

Mrs. Sarah Ann Orlando

Clean Marinas, Program Manager, Ohio Sea Grant College Program

Eugene Braig

Eugene Braig , IV

Board Member, Friends of Stone Laboratory

Description

There’s an invasion in the Great Lakes! Non-native species can cause a great deal of ecological harm and push out culturally, environmentally, and economically important native species. Check out this fact sheet for a quick overview of what’s out there!

Abstract

Aquatic invasive species (or AIS) are organisms that live in the water most or all of their life, are found outside of their native range, and become harmful to their new ecosystem. AIS can reduce the abundance of native species, take over the food supply, and impact recreational and commercial activities. They are a worldwide problem, and as of late 2014, there were a recorded 191 aquatic non-native species in the Great Lakes ecosystem, many of which are invasive and can be found in Lake Erie. There are a wide array of invasive organisms ranging from animals such as fish and invertebrates, to plants, to microscopic plankton, bacteria and viruses. Each species can have a unique impact based on where it fits into its new environment. There are usually negative economic and recreational impacts associated with AIS as well.