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 Aquatic Invasive SpeciesWhat We DoContact UsGet InvolvedEventsNews Aquatic invasive species cause tremendous harm to our environment, our economy, and our health. They can drive out and eat native plants and wildlife, spread diseases, and damage infrastructure. We work to protect our waterways and the communities that depend on them from the threat of invasive species.What We DoOur ServicesWe safeguard waterways and communities from invasive species **invasive species**  An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars. Learn more about invasive species by working with our partners and educating the public. Our regional coordinators work closely with the public and private sector partners and our network of conservation offices toconduct on-the-ground control projects and early detection surveillance and monitoring, and provide technical support. The Service also develops regulations to prohibit the importation and some transport of harmful species known as injurious wildlife and serves as a co-chair to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.Our Projects and InitiativesPreventing IntroductionsEarly Detection Surveillance and MonitoringStopping the SpreadSuppressing InfestationsEducating the PublicMore About What We DoLatest Stories and TopicsStoriesA large round fish with grey and yellowish scales. The fish is photographed against a white backdrop.Wildlife ManagementFunding Available for Tools and Projects that Eradicate Invasive SpeciesInvasive species pose a significant threat to the ecological, economic, and cultural integrity of America’s lands, waters, and the communities they support.Mar 26, 2024a long fish in the weedsGet InvolvedDon’t Let It LooseWhat do you do if you see or catch an invasive fish? Don’t put it back in the water or even your live well. Invasive species don’t belong in our waterways and shouldn’t be returned or transported anywhere.Feb 26, 2024Dense mat of invasive Elodea viewed underwater in Big Lake, Alaska.Our PartnersThe Big Deal About Big LakeWhen invasive Elodea was discovered in a Mat-Su Valley lake, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southern Alaska Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office and partners of the Mat-Su Elodea Task Force worked collaboratively on a conservation success.Feb 22, 2024A biologist displays a trapped crayfish as it flares its large claws inside a cylindrical metal cageResearch reveals hope for managing invasive red swamp crayfishOriginally from the southeastern U.S., the red swamp crayfish has become an unwelcomed world traveler. They have drained wetlands in Europe and ruined rice crop in Asia. These invasive crayfish are highly aggressive and mobile. Here in the U.S., they are commonly spread by unsuspecting aquarium-...Feb 22, 2024Biologists load boat full of invasive carp onto trailer.Science and TechnologyPlease do not disturb me, I'm working!Using acoustic telemetry turns the search for invasive carp from looking for a needle in a haystack to aiming at a bullseye. One of the biggest challenges biologists face when using this method to track invasive carp movement is that people often unknowingly remove, displace, or destroy the...Jan 4, 2024Two men in a boat pull in a net from the water at the edge of a muddy bank. The net has one fish caught in it.Habitat RestorationBipartisan Infrastructure Law Fights Invasive CarpThanks to a $1 million grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, large numbers of common carp will soon be removed from a popular fishing spot.Nov 13, 2023View All NewsOur LibraryWhat is an aquatic invasive species?An aquatic invasive species is a freshwater or marine organism that has spread or been introduced beyond its native range and is either causing harm or has the potential to cause harm.StoryAug 3, 2021Get InvolvedClean, Drain, DryPreventing the spread of aquatic invasive species starts with all of us. By working together we can protect our aquatic resources and recreational opportunities for future generations.StoryOct 7, 2021RecreationFive Ways to Protect Our WatersPreventing the spread of aquatic invasive species starts with you. By taking a few simple steps you can protect our aquatic resources and ensure that these harmful species do not spread into new areas.StoryAug 18, 2021Get InvolvedInvasive Zebra Mussels Found in Moss BallsInvasive zebra mussels have been found in "moss balls," a plant product sold at aquarium and pet supply stores, garden centers, florist shops, and online retailers. Zebra mussels are regarded as one of the most destructive invasive species in North America and there is concern that live mussels...StoryAug 18, 2021Science and TechnologyHow to Break Up with Your GoldfishGoldfish can seem like the ideal low maintenance pet. But if you are no longer able to care for your them, it can be difficult to know what to do with your fishy friend.StoryAug 3, 2021Wildlife ManagementView Our Library
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