Lionfish and zebra mussels are problematic aquatic invaders
along U.S. coasts. How lionfish will affect native fish
populations and commercial fishing industries along the Atlantic
coast has yet to be determined. Zebra mussels are known to cost
the United States billions of dollars each year through economic
losses and control costs. Did you know that it's National
Invasive Species Awareness Week? Invasive species are a big
problem in the U.S. and around the world. Non-native animals and
plants can harm both the natural resources in an ecosystem as
well as threaten human use of these resources. Invasive species
reduce biodiversity, compete with native organisms for limited
resources, and alter habitats—they can even cause extinctions of
native plants and animals! This equates to huge economic impacts
and major disruptions of coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems.
Take a few minutes out of your day to learn more about aquatic
invasive species.