Return to Fact Sheets
Highlights
Aquatic species invasions continue to pose one of the greatest risks to the health and productivity of our coastal marine ecosystems and the Great Lakes.
At least 162 nonindigenous aquatic species species have been documented in the Great Lakes.
Aquatic invasive species have been introduced to the Great Lakes primarily by ships, unintentional releases, intentional releases, canals, and rail or highway.
Source: Research and Management Priorities for Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes
Great Lakes Science & Policy
Aquatic Invasive Species
Research and Management Priorities for Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes
A science translation publication prepared by a special committee convened by the International Association for Great Lakes Research under the auspices of a grant from The Joyce Foundation to strengthen the science-policy linkage in the Great Lakes Basin. 2002.
Resources
To learn more about aquatic invasive species, consider the following resources.
- Check out these articles on "exotic species" published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research. Or try a search on the name of an individual species.
- Contact an aquatic invasive species expert. These IAGLR members have agreed to serve as expert contacts for policymakers interested in aquatic invasive species.
- Also check out the following:
- Exotic Species, Great Lakes Fishery Commission
- Invasive Species in the Great Lakes Region, Great Lakes Information Network
