Invasion Species Endanger US Lakes And Streams

.....and may pose potential threat to human lives.

Some species of plant, animal, and aquatic life have been beneficial when they have found their way into the United States but many have caused serious ecological damage to our lakes and streams. These invasion species harm eco systems and threaten human uses of our resources. They have created great economical impact on recreational sports on our waters and a huge economical impact on business making their livelihood on these waters. Here are a few that are causing serious problems these days.

Asian Carp

This invasion species considered a delicacy in Asian countries, is not so well received here. Originally imported to control algae and other aquatic weeds which they feed on have quickly found their way into our lakes and streams. When disturbed they began to jump out of the water. If you haven't seen this phenomenon visit Youtube and search for "jumping Asian Carp." Many injuries have been reported and officials feel it is only a mater of time before a death is caused due to these fish.

One lady was just idling her boat on the water when one around 10 pounds struck her in the face, breaking here nose and knocking here unconscious. She fell onto the throttle of the boat, increasing it's speed, and throwing her out of the boat. Fortunately some nearby boaters were able to rescue her. Millions have been spent erecting electronic barriers to try to keep them out of the Great Lakes, where they could cause serious damage to this 7 billion dollar sport and commercial fishing industry.

Northern Snakehead Fish.

This invasion species was first found in the wild in Maryland after being release from an aquarium into a nearby pond. The fish spawned and quickly made their way into nearby lakes and streams. Snakeheads are very aggressive and are a top level predator, meaning they have no natural enemies.

Dubbed "Frankenfish" by the news media they are very prolific and can live several days out of the water as they have the ability to breath naturally. This invasion species feed on smaller bream, crappie, and shad which are the main food source of bass, trout, walleye, and other preferred gamefish. There is no known means of natural control and officials ask anyone catching a snakehead to kill it and not return it to the water. Maryland has also established a bounty on these fish by offering a $200 gift card to Bass Pro Shops for any brought in dead. Now that may definitely get some results.

Burmese Pythons

This is a constrictor type snake causing some serious problems in the Florida Everglades. Some have been release by owners when they got to large to handle but many escaped when Hurricane Andrew destroyed a breeding facility in 1992. The invasion species can average 12 feet in length and can grow larger. The everglades are a perfect habitat for the snakes and cause problems when making it into nearby neighborhoods. This is a potential and very serious threat to young children not aware of the danger and many have had pets come up missing. Alligators in the everglades are a natural enemy but apparently not enough to slow their growth.

Giant Silvania

This one hits close to home for me. This invasion species is classified as a floating fern that can completely mat over the surface of a lake if left unchecked. The picture above was taken on an area lake I fish frequently; Lake Bistineau in northwest Louisiana. Giant Silvania was believed to be introduced into our waters through the aquarium trade. Individual plants are about the size of a dinner plate with roots hanging down in the water about a foot. One plant can actually double in size in less than one week. They now range from the Carolina's on around the coastal states and into California.

As you can see in the accompanying picture this invasion species will mat over large areas of the lake cutting out all sunlight to beneficial aquatic plants below, eventually killing them and depleting the oxygen supply in the water. Some beetles help control the plants alone with limited chemical use. The cold weather in other regions of the country are the only means of keeping it in check and from spreading.

Sport fishing and other water sports are major pastimes for may in the US. Many make their living through commercial use of out lakes and streams and some have been seriously hurt financially by the different invasion species that have infested our waters. Millions are being spent annually on the control of these species but in many areas the damage has already been done. There are many other unwanted species that could be mentioned here and I do have to wonder though what unwanted guest will hit our shores next.