invasive species

The Great Lakes are one of the most unique freshwater ecosystems in the world – but are also heavily threatened by biological invaders. Aquatic invasive and nuisance species are the plants and animals from other regions of the globe that accidentally get brought to the Great Lakes, potentially destroying the local ecosystem. Many species pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes environment and economy, from sea lamprey that devastate prized fisheries, zebra mussels that encrust underwater infrastructure, and aquatic weeds that entangle boat motors and swimmers alike.

Using eDNA to detect new Great Lakes invasive species.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation lead a project funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to control invasive species and enhance wetland restoration at the mouth of the Four Mile Creek.

March 2025 - Federal, state, and local agencies celebrate significant progress in Lake Erie’s shoreline expansion through the implementation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration Program and support from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Feral swine are a highly destructive invasive species with populations that have expanded across the country, resulting in damage to a wide range of resource types. Wildlife biologists and field specialists from USDA Wildlife Services work to reduce feral swine damage by providing technical assistance and conducting targeted management activities in the field.

Over $500,000 of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding is being distributed by the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) through the Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework (PAMF) to improve management outcomes for treatment of the non-native Phragmites australis (common reed). 

With Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding provided by the USDA Forest Service, Saginaw Bay Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area established a two-person strike team to monitor and prioritize invasive plant species including phragmites, European frog-bit, and Japanese knotweed. The strike team monitored over 700 acres for invasive plants and treated over 250 acres to control phragmites, Japanese knotweed and European frog-bit population and spread.

A new paper by NOAA researchers identifies the top ten invasive species with the greatest negative impacts in the Great Lakes, serving as a reference point for educators and science communicators throughout the region.