Invasive mussels muscle their way into the Great Lakes—listen up for the scoop on why that’s scarier than it might sound. You might think a creature the size of a dime is no match for a freshwater system the size of Texas, but quagga mussels are prolific breeders. Multiply one by trillions, and you get mussels …
Category Archive: Invasive Species
Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/creature-features/multiplying-mussels-attack/
May 19
Native and Invasive Crayfish Square Off
Non-native crayfish upset the natural balance in streams: Crayfish are an important part of the food web in streams. But in Pennsylvania, an invasive species called rusty crayfish is taking over. And in some areas, they’re so dense they stack on top of each other. Dave Lieb with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy says rusty crayfish …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/creature-features/native-and-invasive-crayfish-square-off/
May 15
Clean, Drain, and Dry
Boaters can help turn away unwanted hitchhikers. Here’s how: Invasive plants and animals can wreak havoc on waterways, from making a shoreline less able to withstand flooding to harming fish. Boaters can help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species by cleaning plants and mud off their boats; then they should drain and dry out before …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/water-and-recreation/clean-drain-and-dry/
May 07
Holding the Invaders at Bay
On the lookout for invasive plants: When a new plant moves into a lake or stream, take note – it could be cause for concern. Sandra Keppner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says that rapidly spreading invasive plants like water chestnut and hydrilla are causing big problems for New York waters. “We see …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/biodiversity/holding-the-invaders-at-bay/
May 06
Invasive Grass Threatens Georgian Bay
Pulling Phragmites in Georgian Bay . . . Learn more: Wetlands in Ontario’s Georgian Bay are threatened by an invasive grass called phragmites that outcompetes many native species. “It actually can grow to about 18 feet tall and displace native plants from their aquatic habitat,” explains David Sweetnam of the nonprofit Georgian Bay Forever. He …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.currentcast.org/restoration-and-conservation-initiatives/invasive-grass-threatens-georgian-bay/