Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants and animals that threaten the diversity or abundance of native aquatic species, the ecological stability of infested waters, and the commercial, agricultural, and recreational activities dependent on those waters. These nonnative introductions are second only to habitat alteration as a factor in the decline of native aquatic species in North America, and climate change will exacerbate the introduction and spread of many AIS. New introductions and the spread of already established invasive species have the potential to add to these declines and hinder efforts to restore already depleted and Endangered Species Act listed native species.

Numerous strategies for assessing, controlling, eliminating or preventing AIS invasions are emerging; these require concerted and persistent efforts on the part of resource managers. To effectively address the many AIS within or near the Region, the partnerships developed among States, Tribes and Federal agencies and other stakeholders need to be continued and expanded.

Species identified as being of high concern in the Mountain-Prairie Region are:

• Zebra/Quagga mussels
• Asian carp
• Salt cedar
• New Zealand mudsnail
• Certain non-native, predatory fish stocked outside of their native historic range (e.g., walleye in western Montana)
• Purple loosestrife

Click here to visit our national Aquatic Invasive Species page.