What are Aquatic Invasive Species?
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are aquatic and terrestrial organisms and plants that have been introduced into new ecosystems (i.e. Great Lakes, San Francisco Bay, Florida, Hawaii) throughout the United States and the world and are both harming the natural resources in these ecosystems and threatening the human use of these resources. AIS are also considered to be “nuisance” species or “exotic” species and the terms are often used interchangeably. A major threat to the health and survival of all coastal ecosystems arises from the introduction of exotic species via the ballast water of oceangoing ships, intentional and accidental releases of aquaculture species, aquarium specimens or bait, and other means. Foreign invaders like the green crab, zebra mussel and Pacific jellyfish have displaced native species and diminished biodiversity, resulting in huge economic impacts and fundamental disruptions of coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems.
