What are the most destructive aquatic invasive species?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Aquatic invasive species are responsible for devastating effects on waterways worldwide. Zebra Mussels can filter up to one liter of water per day, leading to disrupted pipes in power plants, and Water Hyacinth doubles its coverage every two weeks, choking out fish and blocking navigable waterways. Asian Carp can leap up to 10 feet, injuring boaters, and outcompete the native fisheries.
Zebra Mussels
- Origin: Black Sea region
- Spread: Attach to boats traveling between lakes
- Impact: $1 billion annual infrastructure damage
- Control: Mandatory boat decontamination stations
- Range: 30 US states and Great Lakes
Water Hyacinth
- Origin: Amazon Basin
- Spread: Ornamental pond releases
- Impact: $200M African fishery losses
- Control: Biological weevils reduce growth 75%
- Range: 50+ tropical countries worldwide
Asian Carp
- Origin: Eastern China
- Spread: Floodwater escape from fish farms
- Impact: 90% plankton consumption starving natives
- Control: Electric barriers in Chicago canals
- Range: Mississippi River and tributaries
These alien species utilize similar methods of introduction. Species can move anywhere in the world via ballast water discharge, and local introductions may occur through the release of organisms from aquariums. In my own research on Lake Michigan, it was demonstrated that Zebra Mussels can live at densities exceeding 700,000 per square meter. Their sharp shells can cut the feet of unsuspecting swimmers, which may ultimately lead to the beach needing to be closed.
Cooperation is essential for prevention. Clean-Drain-Dry boat cleaning protocols can reduce the spread from one lake to another. If you encounter any suspected invasive plants or algae, please consider reporting them using one of the available platforms, such as the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database. I've personally seen success with killing Water Hyacinth using weevils across Florida's lake systems. Your efforts help protect drinking water and fisheries in the Southern Tier.
Climate change causes invasions to accelerate. Warmer waters allow Zebra Mussels to crawl further north. More flooding carries Asian Carp into other tributaries. Water hyacinth thrives in waters rich in nutrients, polluted, and laden with sediment. Support environmentally-focused legislation, such as the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act. Participate in local removal teams to combat the spread of these invasives.
Read the full article: Comprehensive Invasive Species List
