Invasive Species - Chesapeake Bay Program

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	ecosystem exotic species
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	mute swan nutria phragmites purple loosestrife water chestnut zebra mussel non-native oysters
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Some plants and animals that currently live in the Bay haven't always been part of the Bay's balanced ecosystem. They were either brought here for a specific economic or aesthetic purpose, entered the Bay in the ballast waters of ships or via storms or other accidental releases. These plants and animals are, by definition, living and reproducing outside their historic or native range. We call species that are not native to their current habitat, "exotic." Exotic species become "invasive" when they negatively affect the native ecosystem and native species by encroaching on habitat and food sources.

Mute Swan / Image courtesy Larry Hindman MD DNR Today, approximately 50,000 invasive species occur in the United States, and this number constantly increases. The invasive plants and animals that now live in and around the Chesapeake Bay include mammals, such as nutria; plants, such as phragmites; birds, such as mute swans; and other species, including the Asiatic clam, the rapa whelk and the tiger mosquito.

Some species, such as the Asiatic clam, entered the Bay in ballast water, but others were brought here intentionally. Nutria were introduced to enhance the fur industry, and smallmouth bass were imported for sport fishing. Mute swans, which consume enormous quantities of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and edge other waterfowl out of their habitats, were brought to the Hudson River Valley during the 19th century to ornament the estates of the wealthy, and eventually made their way south to the Chesapeake Bay.

Invasive species can cost taxpayers in the United States hundreds of millions of dollars each year in major environmental damage. About 42 percent of the plants and animals nationally listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act are at risk because of invasive species.

Members from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species collaborate on issues related to exotic and invasive species in the watershed.

What YOU Can Do:

Never release unwanted pets or plants into the environment
Never dump live fishing bait (worms or fish) into a waterbody. Dispose of bait in a trash bin on land.
Learn more about the bait you are using. If possible, use live bait that is native to your fishing area. Know your state's laws concerning the use of live bait.
If you use a boat trailer, remove any aquatic plant or organisms found on your boat bottom, propeller or anchor. Dispose of them in a trash can.
Use native plants on your property.
Be aware of legislative and government programs that address incidental and accidental introductions of non-natives.
Educate others. The eradication of non-natives is nearly impossible, but we can prevent new species introductions by being aware of potential pathways.
Participate in community groups that either restore habitat and/or survey, remove and report sightings of invasive species.

Other Sites of Interest:

Swan photo courtesy: Larry Hindman MD DNR

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For more information, contact the Chesapeake Bay Program Office:
410 Severn Avenue, Suite 109, Annapolis, MD 21403 / Tel: (800) YOUR-BAY / Fax: (410) 267-5777.