Invasive Species I can: Predict the impact and consequences of an invading organism on the survival of itself and other organisms

What is an invasive species An invasive species is one that is not native  whose introduction causes harm, to the ecosystem, economy, environment, or human health. That has no natural predators Whose population soars and spreads quickly Out competing native species to the point of extinction

Emerald Ash Borer Adult beetle eats the leaves of Ash trees, while the larvae feed on the underside of the bark and cut off the transportation of nutrients and water to the tree.

Emerald Ash Borer Means of Introduction: The emerald ash borer most likely arrived in the United States via solid wood packing materials arriving from Asia.

Emerald Ash Borer  Since the first discovery in Michigan in 2002, this invasive beetle has killed tens of millions of ash trees in Michigan, both in forests and in neighborhoods.

Emerald Ash Borer Adults typically only fly about ½ mile. On their own, this species doesn’t spread very far. The real concern with spread is the relocation of infested firewood to non-infested areas.

Sea Lampreys As adults, lamprey are parasitic and feed on the body fluids of other fishes, often killing them.

Sea Lampreys Found in the great lakes, they often attach themselves to the sides of , Trout and Whitefish and slowly kill the fish with its saw like mouth. Harming the commercial and recreational fishing industries.

Sea Lampreys Means of Introduction: Sea lampreys entered the Great Lakes system in the 1800s through manmade locks and shipping canals..

Sea Lampreys Local Concern: Sea lamprey have a high reproductive potential, a lack of predators, and an ideal habitat in Michigan waters. An established population of sea lamprey has had a devastating effect on the state’s fishery.

Asian Carp Invasive (Asian) Carp are not yet established in the Great Lakes, but are found in nearby rivers They are well-suited to the climate of the Great Lakes region Biologist expect that invasive (Asian) carp will disrupt the food chain that supports the native fish of the Great Lakes,

Asian Carp Means of Introduction Asian Carp will migrate up connecting waterways The government is trying to prevent the upstream transfer Asian Carp from the Mississippi River basin to the Great Lakes basin" through a shipping lock on the Des Plaines River in Joliet, Ill. Blocking Asian carp at Illinois 'choke point' dam focus of new bipartisan bill

Asian Carp Asian carp are filter feeders, straining tiny plants (phytoplankton) By eating plankton, the carp compete with native filter feeding fish, such as lake whitefish, walleye and yellow perch. This competition for food can potentially disrupt the entire food web in a water body.

Asian Carp carp migrate up streams or rivers to breed; eggs and larvae drift downstream to develop. These fish are fast growing and can weigh up to 100 pounds. They are also highly prolific, producing up to one million eggs.

Asian Carp Out competing the native species whose populations will decline Harming the recreational fishermen and commercial operations

Asian Carp Also a potential threat to humans, Asian carp leap high out of the water when disturbed by watercraft. Boaters can be and have been injured by these leaping fish.

Asian Carp on the Mississippi