Understanding the Threat
Non-native plants, animals, and microbes constitute invasive species that enter new ecosystems due to human activities, disrupting the natural ecosystem equilibrium. Invasive species that enter bays and estuaries compete with native species for resources while altering habitats and nutrient cycles. The destructive effects spread widely, harming biodiversity, endangering fisheries and recreational activities, and damaging the area’s economic base. Wetlands and coastal environments face high risks from introductions through ballast water and hull fouling in shipping, and from aquaculture escapes and the aquarium trade.
Impacts on Ecosystems and Communities
Once established, invasive species cause permanent damage to native wildlife populations and ecosystem functions. Zebra and quagga mussels are notorious aquatic invaders that filter plankton from the water column, depleting food resources, leading to declines in native fish populations, and clogging infrastructure. The toxic effects of the invasive Karenia brevis algae trigger harmful algal blooms that poison fish, turtles, birds, and marine mammals, and release toxins that endanger human health. European green crabs (Carcinus maenas) invade native crab populations while eating various prey items, which damages commercial shellfish businesses. The disruptions cause economic damage to habitats and degrade water quality.
How Invasive Species Spread
Global trade, along with travel, is a major driver of the spread of invasive species. The transportation of marine species through ships in ballast water and on hulls releases them into foreign aquatic environments. Organisms tend to escape or be released from aquaculture and aquarium trade operations, thereby introducing non-native species. Plastic pollution serves as a means of transporting species across oceanic distances from their native habitats. The rapid reproduction potential of certain invasive species creates significant obstacles for their control and removal in new habitats.
What You Can Do to Help
Preventing new introductions alongside existing invasion management requires broad community participation. The following steps will help you contribute to the solution:
- Clean, Drain, Dry: Boaters and anglers need to follow three steps: clean their equipment, drain their boat water, and thoroughly dry their gear to stop the transport of invasive species between water bodies.
- Be Responsible with Aquariums: Never release aquarium plants, fish, or other animals into local waterways. Pet stores should accept unwanted pets, and the public should use established rehoming programs instead.
- Support Native Plantings: Shoreline restoration and landscaping projects should use native plant species that provide wildlife habitat and help defend against invasive species.
- Report Sightings: The public should learn to recognize local invasive species so they can properly report new discoveries to environmental and wildlife agencies.
- Participate in Removal Efforts: Community members can participate in both shoreline clean-up events and invasive species removal programs. Small populations of invasive species can be managed effectively through manual and mechanical methods, as well as biological controls, when professionals detect them early.
- Advocate for Policy and Research: Your support should go toward ballot water discharge regulations, restrictions on the sale of known invasive species, and funding research and monitoring programs.
Working Together for Healthy Bays
The increasing threat of invasive species in bays requires public awareness to enable coordinated action that creates real change. Through knowledge acquisition and preventive measures, and local conservation, everyone can safeguard the unique ecosystems and dependent communities of healthy, resilient bays.