Aquatic Invasive Species - Factsheet

Abstract

Aquatic invasive species include a variety of organisms - fish, invertebrates, algae, plants and even pathogens like cholera. Some species arrive attached to ship hulls, and other are released into foreign ports via ballast water. Most species do not survive in the new environment, but some organisms are hardy, aggressive, prolific and successful invaders. They disperse rapidly and dominate native species.