Last updated on Tuesday, March 06, 2012

http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/habitat/invasive_species_index.cfm

Water: Habitat Protection 

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Features

Purple Loosestrife. 

This beautiful plant is 

highly aggressive in 

the wild, displacing 

native vegetation.

Overview of EPA Authorities for Natural 

Resource Managers Developing Aquatic 

Invasive Species Rapid Response and 

Management Plans

Economic Impacts of Aquatic Invasive Species 

Workshop

Executive Order 13112 on Invasive Species 

(PDF) (4 pp, 68 KB)

Ecological and Economic Impacts and Invasion 

Management Strategies for the European Green 

Crab (PDF) (73 pp, 826 KB)

Watershed Academy Web: Invasive NonNative Species

Corbicula fluminea. Often 

called the Asian clam, this 

small mollusk can clog intake 

pipes for cooling water.

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Invasive Species

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Invasive species means an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or 

environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species are one of the largest threats to our 

terrestrial, coastal and freshwater ecosystems, as well as being a major global concern. Invasive 

species can affect aquatic ecosystems directly or by affecting the land in ways that harm aquatic 

ecosystems. Invasive species represent the second leading cause of species extinction and loss of 

biodiversity in aquatic environments worldwide. They also result in considerable economic effects 

through direct economic losses and management/control costs, while dramatically altering 

ecosystems supporting commercial and recreational activities. Effects on aquatic ecosystems result 

in decreased native populations, modified water tables, changes in run-off dynamics and fire 

frequency, among other alterations. These ecological changes in turn impact many recreational and 

commercial activities dependent on aquatic ecosystems. Common sources of aquatic invasive 

species introduction include ballast water, hull fouling, aquaculture escapes, and accidental and/or 

intentional introductions, among others.

• Pathways for Species Introduction

• Useful Links to Invasive Species Information

Vessels and Invasive Species

Vessels can be a significant pathway for the introduction or spread of 

invasive species through the discharge of ballast water containing 

invasive species or the transport of invasive species that have 

accumulated as biofouling on ships' hulls. EPA and its federal partners, 

such as the U.S. Coast Guard, are working together and using their 

authorities to help address the environmental and economic threats 

associated with ship-related introductions of invasive species. For information on EPA activities 

under the Clean Water Act addressing this issue visit the EPA Vessel Discharges, and EPA 

Clean Boating Act webpages. For information on U.S. Coast Guard activities under their statutory authorities, visit the U.S. Coast Guard Aquatic Nuisance Species webpage.

Invasive Species | Habitat Protection | US EPA Page 1 of 1

http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/habitat/invasive_species_index.cfm 9/5/2014