Invasive Species
Dive into the world beneath the placid surfaces of Massachusetts' lakes and ponds, as we unravel the covert onslaught of invasive species. Discover how these unseen invaders are reshaping our aquatic ecosystems and learn empowering strategies to help our community protect these precious, local waterscapes.
Aryan Mago
Writer, Founder
Published: June 15, 2023
Topic: Ecosystems
Summary
Invasive species, including plants like Eurasian Watermilfoil and zebra mussels, are disrupting native ecosystems in Massachusetts' lakes and ponds.
The introduction and spread of these invasive species occur primarily due to human activities such as boating, angling, and horticulture.
Local community action is crucial in mitigating this issue, including activities like preventive measures, monitoring, and management.
Eurasian Milfoil (Cornell University)
Introduction
Over recent decades, Massachusetts' idyllic lakes and ponds have faced a lurking menace: invasive species. Ranging from plants like the Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) to creatures such as zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), these alien invaders pose a substantial risk to the health of our local ecosystems
Zebra Mussel (EEK, Wisconsin)
Eurasian Milfoil (Cornell University)
The Problem
Invasive species rapidly colonize their new habitats, out-competing native species for resources, disrupting local food webs, and altering the physical structure of the environment. For instance, Eurasian Watermilfoil, originally from Europe, Asia, and North Africa, forms dense mats of vegetation at the water surface, reducing light penetration and oxygen levels in the water, which can devastate native aquatic plant and animal life (2). Zebra mussels, native to Eastern Europe, similarly adhere in large numbers to hard surfaces, displacing native species, blocking infrastructure, and disrupting the local ecology (3).
Spread
These species often arrive and spread through human activities. Boaters unknowingly transport zebra mussels and Watermilfoil fragments on their equipment from one water body to another. Anglers can inadvertently carry eggs or larvae on their gear, and gardeners can accidentally introduce non-native plants into waterways (4).
Invasive Mussels (ABYC)
Solutions
Taking action at a community level can significantly impact the spread of these invasive species. Here are some actionable solutions:
1. Prevention: Awareness is our first line of defense. Community education about the dangers of invasive species and their identification can prevent their introduction and spread. As part of this effort, boaters and anglers can be taught to 'Clean, Drain, and Dry' their equipment between water bodies to remove potential hitchhikers (5).
2. Monitoring: Regular monitoring of local water bodies helps to detect new invasions early when they're easiest to manage. Organized community monitoring programs, citizen science projects, or even individual residents noting changes in their local ponds can be highly effective (6).
3. Management: Once an invasive species is established, management efforts can range from manual removal to biological controls. In the case of Watermilfoil, hand-pulling or using benthic mats to block sunlight can be employed, while for zebra mussels, introduction of their natural predators may be considered (7).
By taking these simple steps, each of us can help preserve the beauty and biodiversity of Massachusetts' lakes and ponds for future generations. Remember, we are the stewards of our local ecosystems; let's keep them healthy and thriving.
Advocacy Tools
You can help solve nutrient pollution with these key steps.
Personal
Talk to your community members! You can co-brand, distribute, and print the flyer below.
Institutions
With this PowerPoint, you can present to local institutions about protecting nearby lakes and ponds from nutrient pollution.
Government
Use the action toolkit below to learn how to petition your local legislators to reduce nutrient pollution.
To learn more, schedule a coaching call with one of our community members. Contact learn@togetherforwaterways.org
References
(1) Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (2023). "Invasive Species in Massachusetts".
(2) IPANE. (2021). "Eurasian Watermilfoil". Invasive Plant Atlas of New England.
(3) Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (2022). "Zebra Mussels".
(4) National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC) (2022). "How do Invasive Species Spread?".
(5) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2022). "Clean, Drain, Dry Initiative".
(6) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2021). "Citizen Science for Environmental Protection".
(7) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (2021). "Invasive Species Control and Management".