Currently browsing: Invasive Species

Nearly 3,000 moss balls, which are suspected or confirmed to be contaminated with zebra mussels, have been seized or surrendered to British Columbia conservation officers as part of widespread efforts to stop the potential spread of the invasive species.

A citizen’s report of an invasive zebra mussel found in an aquarium moss package found in a pet store prompted a U.S. Geological Survey expert on invasive aquatic species to trigger nationwide alerts last week that have led to the discovery of the destructive shellfish in pet stores in at least 21 states from Alaska and the Northwest to Florida.

Managing invasive species--not eliminating them altogether--is a better use of time and conservation resources in many cases, according to a study led by a University of Alberta biologist.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic invasive species unit in 2020 detected more boats than ever fouled with non-native organisms.

The U.S. Interior Department last week released a report on the “Safeguarding the West from Invasive Species initiative,” an effort aimed at enhancing actions by federal, state and tribal governments to prevent the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels to uninfested Western waters, such as those in the Columbia River Basin.

Unknowingly, anglers may be transporting small aquatic "hitchhikers" that attach themselves to boats, motors -- and even fishing gear -- when moving between bodies of water.