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Aquatic Invasive SpeciesDescription
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.