Invasive Species

Features

 

 

Purple Loosestrife. This beautiful plant is highly aggressive in the wild, displacing native vegetation.

Vessel Discharge Permit Program Under Development

Overview of EPA Authorities for Natural Resource Managers Developing Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response and Management Plans (ORPHAN FILE)

You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more.

 

Economic Impacts of Aquatic Invasive Species Workshop

Memorandum of Understanding Between EPA Office of Water and the U.S. Coast Guard (PDF) (ORPHAN)
(6 pp, 201K, About PDF)

Memorandum of Agreement Between EPA Office of Research and Development and the U.S. Coast Guard (PDF) (ORPHAN)
(11 pp, 84K, About PDF)

Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds Invasive Species Action Plan Factsheet (PDF) (ORPHAN)
(1 pg, 81K, About PDF)

OWOW Invasive Species Action Plan (PDF) (ORPHAN)
(10 pp, 36K, About PDF)

Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (PDF) (ORPHAN)
(45 pp, 260K, About PDF)

Executive Order 13112 on Invasive Species (PDF)  (ORPHAN)
(4 pp, 68K, About PDF)

Watershed Academy Web: Invasive Non-Native Species

EPA has developed two proposed permits to regulate discharges from vessels. These proposed permits are now available for public comment. For more information on the proposals and how to comment.

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, aquaculture escapes, and accidental and/or intentional introductions, among others.

 

Corbicula fluminea. Often called the Asian clam, this small mollusk can clog intake pipes for cooling water.

• Pathways for Species Introduction
• OWOW Participation in Inter-Agency/International Invasive Species Activities
• National Invasive Species Council
• Useful Links to Invasive Species Information

Ballast Water

A major concern is the introduction of invasive species through ship ballast water carrying viable organisms from one waterbody to another. All mainland coasts of the United States - East, West, Gulf, and Great Lakes, as well as the coastal waters of Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands - have felt the effects of successful aquatic species invasions. Over two-thirds of recent non-native species introductions in marine and coastal areas are likely due to ship-borne vectors, and ballast water transport and discharge is the most universal and ubiquitous of these. EPA is working in conjunction with our Federal and State partners to address this source of aquatic invasive species both domestically and internationally.

• Useful Links to Ballast Water Related Information

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