Invasive or Exotic Species

Today, Plants and animals usually can travel around the world in a matter of hours to days through planes or by ship.

Usually their presence is harmful, yet some scientists believe that they can actually be a catalyst for biodiversity! Invasive or exotic species have altered the Chesapeake Bay region; with both a negative and positive impact.

“Exotic species are plants, animals or microbes that have been transported from one geographic region to another.” (5) They are moved from an area where their evolution balance is set, into an area where they may not have any natural competitors. Invasive or exotic species can cause a major impact to our environment. They can put ecosystems at risk by changing an entire environment, replace other species that are native to the environment, and even damage human activities such as fishing. (1) Once introduced into a new environment, Invasive species throw off the ecological balance of the area. They may not have natural predators and can outcompete natural organisms; giving them the opportunity for fast growth throughout the environment! (The nature Conservancy, 2004) Invasive species are even the one of the top reasons why some of our endangered species are threatened. The graph to the left shows that about 50 percent of threatened or affected endangered species were due to these exotic species! In the United States alone there are many invasive and exotic species already established! According to the Exotics in the Chesapeake, “At least 4,500 species have established free-living populations in the U.s.” (3) These species have even shown through in the waters around us!

I do believe that these Invasive and Exotic species have even altered the Chesapeake Bay region and that these alterations aren’t always predictable! For instance, Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay have suffered since their parasites Dermo and MSX were introduced into the area as exotics.(3) Oysters fundamental role is to abolish the algae in the water; yet with the decline of oysters there is a major demolish in the bay ecosystem. (3) This is not just affecting the bay, it is also affecting oyster fishery bringing much economic loss. (3) Other examples would include the mute swan; which acts aggressive towards other birds in the area. (2) Even though there are many downfalls to these species many could bring good.

The Hydrilla plant might take control and replace other native plants; yet can also benefit the bay.