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Last updated in September, 2000

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    Non-native species, also called exotic species, non-indigenous species, or invasive species, are organisms that have moved beyond their natural geographical range of habitat. They represent all phyla, from microorganisms to various plants and animals, both terrestrial and aquatic. 
   Every introduction of non-native species has influenced the changes of ecosystem as well as economy. For example, zebra mussel infestations cause pronounced ecological changes in the Great Lakes and major rivers of the central United States as well as economic impacts. Hydroelectric power plants, municipal drinking water facilities and other water-using industries are likely to be most heavily impacted by zebra mussel populations. Mussels colonize the surfaces of pipes, the interior parts of turbines and other equipment leading to costly repairs. The zebra mussel's rapid reproduction affects the aquatic food web and places valuable commercial and sport fisheries at risk. In addition, non-native species can cause economic damage by (1) hybridizing with valuable species and producing worthless crossbreeds, (2) carrying or supporting harmful pests, and (3) possibly reducing recreational prospects in an area. Another part of economic impact is one which has social and health consequences as well. (source from Ohio Sea Grant publication FS-058, MIT Sea Grant, and ANS Task Force).
 
1. Where did non-native species commonly come from and how did they get the Great Lakes?
2. When were zebra mussels first discovered in the Great Lakes and how far have they spread?
3. Do non-native species damage or improve the Great Lakes? Why should people be concerned about non-native species? 
 

  • FS-045  Zebra mussels in North America: The invasion and its implications.
    Transportation of zebra mussels to North America, control methods, and economic impacts are featured.

  • FS-049 The spiny water flea, Bythotrephes cedarstroemi: Another unwelcome newcomer to the Great Lakes.
    Commonly-asked questions about this tiny, exotic crustacean are addressed.
  • FS-054 Boaters: Take action against zebra
    mussels. Protect your boat and help slow the spread of zebra mussels.
  • FS-058 Zebra mussel migration to inland lakes and reservoirs: A guide for lake managers.
    The spread of zebra mussels from the Great Lakes to inland waters and how to prevent their expansion is reviewed.
  • FS-059  Safe use of zebra mussels in classrooms and laboratories.
  • FS-064 Ruffe: A serious threat to North American fisheries.
    Great Lakes commercial and sports fishing industries are threatened by this 5-to 7-inch fish.
  • FS-065 Round gobies invade North America.
    This small fish competes with native fish for food and habitat.
  • TB-026  Showing Our Mussel.
  • TB-030  Zebra Mussel Update: A 1995 Report of Research.
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1. ACES (Activities for the Changing Earth System)
  •  In Focus: Endangered and Threatened Species
  •  Downeaster Alexa: A Fishery Stroy
2. Lake-Aware Kids Engaged in Relevant Science
  • What do scientists know about Great Lakes invader species?
  •  How did it get here?
3. Earth Systems - Education Activities for Great Lakes Schools

Great Lakes Environmental Issues

  •  Which fish can we eat? 

Life in the Great Lakes

  • What are the characteristics of some Great Lakes fish? 
  • What do scientists know about invader species of the Great Lakes?
4. Great Lakes Instructional Materials for the Changing Earth System
  • What do scientists know about invader species of the Great Lakes and the effects that global climate change will have on them?
  • How will global warming affect Great lakes fish?
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 Fish pictures from the Fishtank site of Great Lakes Fishery Commission
 
             A                        B                         C

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A. Credit: Don Schloesser; Org: Great Lakes Science Center, National Biological Services (2 inch Pipe sample clogged with zebra mussels)
B. Credit: Anthony Ricciardi; Org: McGill University
(Zebra mussels & golf ball)
C. Credit: Charles Ramcharan; Org: Wisconsin Sea Grant (Ten zebra mussels; metric ruler) 

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USGS Zebra Mussel U.S. Distribution Maps    
1. Exotic Aquatics on The Move (EATM)
http://ag.ansc.purdue.edu/EXOTICSP/

2. Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force 
http://www.anstaskforce.gov/

3. BRIDGE: Ocean Sciences Education Teacher Resource Center 
http://www.vims.edu/bridge/index.html
- Exotic species links  http://www.vims.edu/bridge/exotic.html

4. Invasive Species Program: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
http://invasives.fws.gov/ 

5. Sea Grant's National Aquatic Nuisance Species Clearinghouse  
http://www.entryway.com/seagrant/

6. Sea Grant Nonindigenous Species: sgnis  
http://www.sgnis.org/

Copyright 1999. Ohio Sea Grant College Program and Earth Systems Education Program of The Ohio State University

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