Aquatic Invasive Species Articles

Featued Articles

A Field Guide to Aquatic Invaders

This guide is designed to help water recreationalists recognize these exotics and help stop their further spread.

The Mystery of the Missing Smelt

Many factors have been playing into the fluctuation of the smelt population.

Rusty Crayfish: A Nasty Invader

Rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) have invaded portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ontario, and many other areas. Although native to parts of some Great Lakes states, rusty crayfish have spread to many northern lakes and streams where they cause a variety of ecological problems.

Round Gobies Invade North America

The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) was discovered in the St. Clair River, the channel connecting Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair, in 1990. Since then, they have been found in the Great Lakes and are increasingly threatening navive species and ecosystems.

Sea Lamprey: The Battle Continues

Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) have caused significant damage to the Great Lakes. Learn about sea lamprey, their impacts on the fishery and various methods that have proven remarkably successful in controling sea lamprey populations over the years.

Zebra Mussels Threaten Inland Waters

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were first discovered in the Great Lakes in 1988. Within one year, zebra mussels colonized nearly every firm object in Lake Erie. Zebra mussels quickly spread to all the Great Lakes. Expansion to inland waters continues at an alarming rate.

Ruffe: A New Threat to Our Fisheries

The ruffe (pronounced rough), is a small but aggressive fish species native to Eurasia. It was introduced into Lake Superior in the mid-1980s in the ballast water of an ocean-going vessel.

Non-native Species in Lake Superior

A comprehensive listing of non-native species in Lake Superior, including statistics on why and how they are in the Lake.

Purple Loosestrife: What You Should Know, What You Can Do

Purple loosestrife is a very hardy perennial which can rapidly degrade wetlands, diminishing their value for wildlife habitat.