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An invasive species is a non-native organism that establishes and spreads aggressively in an ecosystem, causing harm to the environment. It typically outcompetes native species, disrupts natural processes, and can lead to significant ecological imbalances.

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national centers for coastal ocean science

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national oceanic and atmospheric administration

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An invasive species, also known as an exotic or nuisance species, is an organism or plant that is introduced into a new environment, where it is not native

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How do humans contribute to invasive species?

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How do humans contribute to invasive species?

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The occurrence of invasive species leads to a series of ecological disturbances, such as altered soil composition, altered vegetation patterns, and reduced water availability, all of which impede the ability of native species to coexist. This degradation causes a decrease in biodiversity and the possibility of an ecosystem collapse, which frequently leads to the loss of specialized habitats that are vital for some plant and animal species.

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Example: The Asian Carp in North America

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Example: The Asian Carp in North America

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One example of an invasive species introduced by humans is the Asian carp. This invasive fish species in North America was introduced for aquaculture and wastewater treatment purposes but escaped into natural waterways, where they rapidly multiplied. The presence of Asian carp has had detrimental effects on native ecosystems and fisheries. They can outcompete native fish for food and space, leading to declines in native fish populations. Additionally, their feeding habits can disrupt aquatic vegetation and alter water quality, impacting the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.

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International trade and travel are two human activities that greatly aid the cross-border spread of invasive species. Unintentional ecological repercussions may arise from intentional introductions of non-native species for horticulture, agriculture, or the pet trade, should these species escape into the wild. Additionally, the situation is worsened by the introduction of invasive species into new areas caused by the release of exotic pets and the escape of domesticated plants and animals.

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Wide-ranging effects include decreased seed distribution, altered ecosystem resilience, and changes in the nutrient cycle caused by invasive species. These effects may make ecosystems more susceptible to future disturbances.

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How do invasive species disrupt ecosystems?

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How do invasive species disrupt ecosystems?

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A species that is introduced to a new habitat isn’t always an invasive species. In some cases fish have been added in to lakes for sport fishing and there hasn’t been any negative effects. A species becomes invasive when they start creating negative effects such as hurting the new habitat, ecological harm, or bring health problems to humans. Another issue that makes a species negative is if there is a predator and prey. Both sides of this coin need to evolve to survive. The prey will evolve to be able to hide or get away from a predator and the predator will evolve to better catch the prey. A invasive species will not have the long evolution history with the species they have been stuck with and will most likely destroy the less evolved species.

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What can we do to help solve the problem?

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What can we do to help solve the problem?

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National Invasive Species Awareness Week is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread.

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National Invasive Species Awareness Week is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread.

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What are we doing to address invasive mussels? 

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What are we doing to address invasive mussels? 

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Since their discovery in the Great Lakes in the 1980s, Interior’s bureaus and partners have worked to prevent, contain and control invasive mussels. Some of the efforts to limit their spread include:

Watercraft inspection and decontamination

Monitoring

Rapid response

Public education

Research on detection and control measures

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What are we doing to address Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death? 

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What are we doing to address Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death? 

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Federal and non-federal partners are undertaking actions in the 2020-2024 Rapid Ōhiʻa Death Strategic Response Plan which describes the needs for emergency response as well as for the long-term health of Hawai‘i’s forests.  Our understanding of the disease and the microscopic fungi that cause it has improved through significant investments in research, remote sensing and field studies. Management measures such as selective cutting of infected trees, sealing wounds on infected trees, fencing to exclude ungulates and biosanitation protocols to minimize the spread of fungal spores all help to address the spread and severity of this devastating disease.

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What are we doing to address invasive carp?

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What are we doing to address invasive carp?

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Interior experts provide key leadership, research and tactical assistance across the Great Lakes, Upper Mississippi River and Ohio River basins. By developing the “Management and Control Plan for Bighead, Black, Grass, and Silver Carps in the United States,” we can use it as a national blueprint on the management of invasive carp. We’ve been developing critical new technologies to combat the threat posed by all invasive carp life stages (eggs, larvae, juveniles and adults) and working with natural resource managers to improve early detection and rapid response activities.

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“Invasive Species: Finding Solutions to Stop Their Spread.” U.S. Department of the Interior, 22 Feb. 2024, www.doi.gov/blog/invasive-species-finding-solutions-stop-their-spread.

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Anthropocentrism is the ethical belief that humans alone possess intrinsic value and are at the center of importance. In Lauduto Si, St. Francis criticizes this widespread belief, arguing that this mindset has led to environmental degradation and exploitation of the Earth's resources. This relates to our topic because humans will often do things to benefit themselves even if it comes at the expense of nature and the environment. An example of this is when humans brought the Asian Carp to North America for aquaculture treatment purposes, but ultimately resulted in large scale damages to the environment.

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In Laudato Si, Pope Francis critiques the culture of economic priority that often places profit and economic growth above environmental sustainability. Unfortunately, taking action to prevent and combat invasive species is not financially optimal, so not much is done to stop them, which makes it easier for invasive species to take over their environment.

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“People and Invasive Species.” Education, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/people-and-invasive-species/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

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Jacob HillJacob Hill is a field and conservation biologist with an M.S. in Biology from Purdue University. He has worked extensively with nesting sea turtles and studied diving behavior and population genetics of hawksbill turtles for his Masters research. “Jacob Hill.” EnvironmentalScience.Org, www.environmentalscience.org/invasive-species. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024. 

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Jacob HillJacob Hill is a field and conservation biologist with an M.S. in Biology from Purdue University. He has worked extensively with nesting sea turtles and studied diving behavior and population genetics of hawksbill turtles for his Masters research. “Jacob Hill.” EnvironmentalScience.Org, www.environmentalscience.org/invasive-species. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024. 

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“Invasive Species.” National Wildlife Federation, www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Threats-to-Wildlife/Invasive-Species. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

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“Laudato Si’ (24 May 2015): Francis.” Laudato Si’ (24 May 2015) | Francis, 18 June 2015, www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html.

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Wairimu.mwaura. “Media Release: Ipbes Invasive Alien Species Assessment.” IPBES Secretariat, 5 Jan. 2024, www.ipbes.net/IASmediarelease.

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What are we doing to address invasive rodents on islands?

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What are we doing to address invasive rodents on islands?

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Interior works with a variety of partners on invasive rodent prevention and eradication. The main goal is to prevent rodents from reaching new islands. Where already found, invasive rodents are eliminated to limit their impact on native species and infrastructure. Helicopter dispersed rodenticide is used to completely eradicate rodents from islands. Successful rat eradications can lead to amazing native restoration stories. For example, a rat eradication at Desecho National Wildlife Refuge in the Caribbean enabled seabirds, the island’s endemic lizards, three endemic arachnids, and the federally threatened higo chumbo cactus to thrive once again.

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In Lauduto Si, St. Francis emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life on Earth, reinforcing the idea that everything in the natural world is interdependent and mutually supportive. It is easy to see invasive species damage another ecosystem and say, “well how does this affect me?” The idea of interconnectedness reminds us that impacts to any environment will affect all of us in one way or another. If anything, this should serve as a reminder that it is also our duty to combat invasive species.

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Ecological health and economic stability are intricately intertwined in the face of invasive species invasions. Invasive species reduce agricultural yields, damage infrastructure, increase management and control costs, and diminish the value of ecosystem services, among other adverse economic effects.