Wildlife

Aquatic Invasive Species and Native Wildlife Welfare

Invasive aquatic species like Asian carp, snakehead fish, and zebra mussels devastate native aquatic ecosystems, harming native species welfare through competition and predation.

Key Facts

Asian carp species introduced to US waterways now dominate biomass in parts of the Mississippi River
Electric barriers and netting are used to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes
Snakehead fish introduced from Asia consume native fish and amphibians aggressively
Zebra mussels from Europe filter enormous quantities of plankton, starving native filter feeders
Prevention of new invasive species introductions through ballast water management is most cost-effective

Welfare Considerations

Native fish and wildlife displaced or predated by invasive aquatic species experience welfare harms including starvation, predation pressure, and habitat loss. Native species evolved without the defensive adaptations needed to cope with introduced predators. Control of invasive species through physical removal and barrier methods benefits native wildlife welfare while avoiding some welfare costs of chemical control.

What You Can Do

Never release aquarium fish, plants, or water into natural waterways
Clean, drain, and dry boats and equipment before moving between water bodies
Support ballast water treatment regulations to prevent new marine invasive introductions
Advocate for rapid response programs when new invasive species are detected
Learn about invasive aquatic species in your region to identify and report new sightings