Although Elodea provides great benefits to the ecosystem such as oxygen, water filtration, and as a food source to various fish and animals, it can also negatively impact us as well. According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, bodies of water in Alaska are at risk for becoming inhabited by Elodea. It seems that Elodea can “interfere with salmon spawning and deplete lake nutrients” (Frisch). Elodea was first introduced as an aquarium plant to Alaska. The negative effects of Elodea include affecting the oxygen in water nutrients and its ability to “outcompete native plants to grow in dense mats in sandy habitats along lake shores where salmon like to spawn” (Frisch). Elodea also may become entangled in floatplane rudders as well as boat …show more content…
This is just one of the places in which Elodea is being researched and observed as its overgrowth has led to many problems over the last few years. Additionally, it seems that Canadian Pondweed, or Elodea canadensis, was introduced to the UK accidentally through imported timber that was used for building railways. It is believed that Elodea attached itself to the timber and eventually led to a quick colonization of the United Kingdom’s waterways. It multiplied because its natural predators and pests were not present in this new habitat. As a result, Elodea flourished and became a nuisance to the passage of boats (Naylor). These examples predict a similar reaction if left untreated in the waters of our home, North America. This leads one to question what will happen to the fish and native plants and flora if Elodea is not …show more content…
This includes using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions. What is IPM? IPM is a “planned program that coordinates economically and environmentally acceptable methods of pest control with the judicious and minimal use of toxic pesticides” (“Integrated Pest management,” 1). These programs use a careful assessment of local conditions that factor in climate, soil quality, and government regulations. A few examples of using an IPM strategy would be to introduce fish such as triploid grass carp or other biological control agents. There are many factors to consider before introducing a species to a habitat. First, you must identify the vegetation that needs to be controlled. In this case, Elodea is that vegetation. Grass carp does prefer pondweeds and hydrilla as a food source, but it does eat Elodea. The benefits of using triploid grass carp are many and by far outweigh any negative aspect of introducing them to new water habitat. They are inexpensive, are sterile and will not reproduce, feed only on plants, do not feed on young fishes or fish eggs, live for at least ten years, are difficult to catch using conventional methods of fishing, are dormant in the winter until the water temperatures reach sixty-eight degrees then resume extensive feeding, and they feed from the top of the plant downward (“Will Triploid Grass Carp Work for You?”). An added benefit of
Elodea also known as Elodea canadensis is a genus of aquatic plants. They are also called waterweeds and is mainly used in aquarium vegetation. It plays a significant role in aquatic vegetation as it produces a significant amount of carbon dioxide under the perfect conditions. Elodea mainly grows in shallow water and can also be sometimes found in deep water. The plant for this experiment is kept in a water tank. We use elodea for this experiment as this is a very good plant that play a crucial part in our experiment. The amount of carbon dioxide produced by the plant during the experiment can be used to understand the rate of the reaction.
As if there weren’t enough problems for scientists trying to save the Great Lakes Eco System. Many non-native species have entered the eco system and many of them are harmful. Every species in itself has played a role in the eco system. These non-native species make it increasingly difficult for the Great Lakes Eco System to be regulated.
They reproduced in the wild and started becoming a nuisance to both Europeans and the natives as they destroyed agricultural plants and oyster beds. livestocks put more pressure on local pastures allowing way for the growth of tougher eurpean weeds and grasses. This led to a less conducive environment for plants and finally reduced the soils ability to retain water. Before a century went by, the ecosystem of New England had permanently changed and and would never return to normal. The ecological changes mentioned throughout this book although cultural were either economical or environmental: dandelion, the fence, the arrival of pigs etc was just an eye opener to to bring to light the complex process and changes brought about due to the arrival of the Europeans to America. Meanwhile these complex changes and in general the European colonization cannot be well understood except through understanding the effects of New England Indians and Europeans on their ecosystem. The book also goes on to show the genesis of the environmental problems of New England eg erosions, deforestation, and climate changes; which are but of a few factors we still have to deal with till today. This book indeed acomplish the authors thesis. I recommend this book because it seems to really prove how what the present generation does today may affect the our
Admittedly, 2/3 of the world’s population living with water shortages is a scary enough statistic to send a shiver up the spine. Barlow doesn’t stop there however; she goes on to say that only 2 % of the U.S. rivers and wetlands remain untouched. What does that mean for the creatures that lived there? Covered that too, “37% of freshwater fish are at risk of ...
Invasive species do not only affect other species in their ecosystem, but also cost the United States more than one hundred and twenty million dollars each year in damages (“Cost” par. 2). Invasive species come in all different forms, and all have a negative impact on the environment. These species can come into a new area without being detected at first, but as time goes on their effects can soon be seen. Efforts are being made to prevent these invasive species from destroying fish population and habitat, but in order to be successful they need to be done on a much larger scale. In order to protect Wisconsin's waters, which are already infected with many invasive species that cause great damage to our bodies of water, more actions need to be taken. It is vital to remove all invasive species from Wisconsin’s waters because it will improve fish habitat, native fish population, and water quality.
Picture this: you're having a nice weekend at the lake with your family, fishing, swimming, and having an all-around great time. But then you notice that your boat isn't running as well as it should, especially considering you just cleaned it and made sure everything was in perfect condition before leaving your house. Puzzled, you take your boat out of the water to notice that the hull and motor is covered in tiny clam-like creatures, making your pristine white boat look like something that was just drug out of the bottom of the lake. What are these animals that ruined your weekend of fun? They are zebra mussels, and are found in lakes, rivers, and other bodies of freshwater across the U.S. Normally found in Eastern Europe, the first group of this invasive species hitched a ride in the ballast tanks of ocean liners in the 1980s, and quickly spread. Regulations are in place to stop the spread, but removing them from places that have already been infested is tricky. Today we will talk about the damages zebra mussels cause, how this problem is managed, and what you can do to help.
In 1831, Asian carp were brought over as a delicacy. Asian carp are originally from Asia (Barbara A. Somervill 13). They were imported by catfish farmers in 1963 for federal research on controlling aquatic vegetation. In 1966, the first Asian carp had escaped into Arkansas waters. By 1970, grass carp we're being stocked in Arkansas waters to help with over vegetation. In 1972, big head carp were brought in the United States by a fish farmer in Arkansas to improve his water quality and fish production. In 1973, silver carp were introduced for phytoplankton control (Watershed Council 1). Over time, they were brought over for different reasons and made their way into many of the United States waters. The federal government had transported the invasive species to help the waters but, they did not realize the bad effects that the fish would have on the future environment. People need to find a way to stop them before it’s too late. Their rapid breeding has had a great toll on the environment and is still affecting it today. Over population can destroy the environment
Eurasian milfoil or Myriophyllum spicatum is an aquatic invasive plant that can be found throughout the Chicagoland area and in surrounding bodies of water. This plant can be a hindrance to swimming, boating, and fishing because of their thick, tangled stems and mats of vegetation. According to the Minnesota Sea Grant, Eurasian milfoil also overcrowd a body of water, which leaves little room for the plants native to the Great Lakes. One prediction is that if the Eurasian milfoil is not stopped, a reduction of biodiversity may result in Chicago and the areas surrounding it. If this was to occur, the ecosystems of the Midwest region would be significantly impacted in a negative way.
Fuller, P.J. Schofield, M.E. Neilson, A.J. Benson, and J. Li.). The grass carp is a species that is easily recognized while on the water or near the water. Silver on the sides that darkens towards the top of the fish that runs the entire length of the fish. “The dorsal fin origin is anterior to the pelvic fin origin and it has a short caudal peduncle” (Nico, L.G., P.L. Fuller, P.J. Schofield, M.E. Neilson, A.J. Benson, and J. Li.). The grass carp is typically the smallest in size in comparison to the first three carps. Weighing in at average of fifty pounds. In the past the grass carp species has been introduced to United States waters for the control of biological vegetation. “This species was first imported to the United States in 1963 to aquaculture facilities in Auburn, Alabama, and Stuttgart, Arkansas. The first release of this species into open waters took place at Stuttgart, Arkansas, when fish escaped the Fish Farming Experimental. However, many of the early stockings in Arkansas were in lakes or reservoirs open to stream systems, and by the early 1970s there were many reports of Grass Carp captured in the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.” (Nico, L.G., P.L. Fuller, P.J. Schofield, M.E. Neilson, A.J. Benson, and J. Li). The life expectancy for the grass carp is five to nine years of age. The grass carp is an aquatic vegetarian,
All discussions regarding the phenomenon of invasive species will inherently result in the consensus that they are an unwanted or an even evil entity. Ever since the age of exploration humans have been primary dispersers of these so called “exotic” species (Mooney and Cleland 2001). Famous examples include the release of cane toads in Australia (Urban et al., 2008); the rainbow trout (Fausch 2008) and the Japanese Kudzu vine in the southern U.S. (Blaustein 2001) and zebra mussels in the great lakes of Canada (Nalepa and Schloesser 1992). However, documented marine invasions compared with
In 1996, the Asian Longhorn Beetle made its way into the New York and New Jersey creating the decimation of the forests. The Asian Longhorn Beetle has so far caused the cutting of over 10,000 trees in New Jersey, and quarantine of 109 miles in New York today . The spread of this foreign beetle has created great impacts on the environment. The Asian Longhorn Beetle is an invasive specie, a harmful specie from another locations, mainly other countries, that has ended up in a foreign habitat. As time has progressed, invasive species have continued to come into our environment more frequently creating many unforeseen consequences. The relationship of invasive species within the United States’ environment and ecosystem has been changing ever since the arrival of the Europeans in the 1700s to present day. Due to these encounters with other species whether harmful or neutral, the majority, if not all, of the United States has been affected with the threatening encroachment of native species due to the industrialization of waterways and transportation.
Invasive species have been destroying Minnesota waters for many years. The measures that are taken to stop and control them are not as thorough as they should be. The biggest characteristic with invasive species is that, they are not native. This means they are not supposed to be in Minnesota waters. Invasive species can be a plant or an animal, such as a mussel, fish, weed, or snail. Some effects of invasive species are that, they can kill native fish, destroy spawning beds, and cause much more environmental harm. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, has been doing studies to show the harm of these species for example, the DNR set out 32 boats on Minnesota's most popular lakes such as Gull, Alexander, and many more to look at the spawning beds. Their research showed that many invasive species have destroyed all key areas (MN DNR Article 2). This brings in the big question, what are some better methods to stop and control invasive species?
Nelson, A.N. 1971. Effects of oil on marine plants and animals. London: Institute of Petroleum.
Invasive alien species are disrupting and changing the normal ecological functions of biomes, ecosystems, and the biosphere as a whole (CBD, 2009). They are a threat to biodiversity and can cause damage to, or even eradicate native species which natural cycles and other organisms depend on. While disrupting energy flow, food chains, and shaking the structure of ecosystems to the core, invasive species create not only ecological, but also a whole host of social, economical, and health issues that affect the livelihood of almost every organism on earth, including humans (CBD, 2009).
At this moment in time, eutrophication is causing worldwide devastation to not only aquatic life, but the fishing industry. The release of nutrients into fresh water lakes, rivers and reservoirs leads to excessive growth of three different plant species: