Management of Invasive Aquatic Species

J nvasive species are considered to be one of the top threats to native ecosystems. Although not all introduced species become established, and even fewer become invasive, the ones that do become established invasives may be particularly damaging. This chapter follows the state and federal definitions of invasive species as exotic (non-native) species that cause or have the potential to cause economic, environmental, or human health harm or may threaten natural resources or use of natural resources in the state. Exotic or non-native species are those that have not naturally and prehistorically occurred in the state. Because invasive species lack the natural predators to keep them in check, their populations can explode and crowd out native species and their prey, which may find themselves defenseless against an abundant new predator. The abundant populations of invasives can lead to a variety of deleterious effects on ecosystems and the human activities that rely on those ecosystems.