Invasive Species

Invasive species are non-native species that threaten the diversity or abundance of native species due to their uncontrollable population growth, causing ecological or economic impacts. Not all non-native species are considered invasive species. Many non-native species are not able to spread or reproduce in natural habitats. Invasive species thrive in favorable environmental conditions that lack predators, competitors and diseases. Invasive species are also referred to as "nuisance" or "exotic" species.

Natural barriers that isolate species and prevent them from spreading to new regions:

Human activities that may introduce or perpetuate the spread of invasive species:

Geographic barriers - mountain ranges, oceans, wide rivers.
Survival and establishment barriers - water temperature, pH, salinity.

Illegal fish stocking - Illegally introducing a non-native fish into a water body.
Legal fish stocking - legally introducing a non-native fish into a water body, usually for recreational fishing, or for population controls on other fish.
Ships and boats - Ballast water is used to stabilize ships. This water often uptakes organisms, carrying them from one place to another. It has been estimated that more than 3,000 species of animals and plants are transported daily around the world in ballast water. Hull fouling is what happens when aquatic organisms attach to the ship.
Improperly cleaned equipment from fieldwork or recreational activities can unintentionally spread invasive species on the equipment that is used.

Why care about invasive species?

Invasive species can...

Displace or otherwise harm native species

Alter ecosystem processes
Reduce biodiversity

Cause illnesses in animals and humans
Cause severe economic impacts
Reduce property values

Aquatic invasive species specifically can:

Reduce fish populations
Ruin boat engines
Jam steering equipment
Make lakes and rivers unusable for boaters and swimmers
Increase operating costs of drinking water plants, power plants, dam maintenance, and industrial processes
Reduce native species
Degrade ecosystems

Interesting Facts

Invasive species are the second leading cause of species extinction and loss of biodiversity in aquatic habitats throughout the word.

In the eastern US experts estimate that mussels cost power and water industries 5 billion dollars every year. Companies must pay to remove mussels from clogged filters, pipes, and water delivery systems.

Tamarisk has displaced native vegetation (e.g., cottonwoods, willows) on approximately 1.6 million acres of land in the Western United States and is still spreading. Tamarisk grows in dense thickets and can take up 200 gallons of water each day. The west is loosing anywhere from 2 to 4.5 million acre-feet of water each year due to this invasive species.

How do invasive species affect water quality?


Cheatgrass Bromus tectorum (shown above) covers millions of acres in the western United States. Cheat grass burns easily and increases the risk of fires. This in turn increases fire-related impacts on natural waters from heavily burned watersheds.	Common Carp Cyprinus carpio (shown above) feeds by searching through underwater vegetation. This feeding habit uproots plants which muddies the water. This makes it hard for other fish to see and destroys the food and cover for other fish.	Pepperweed Lepidium latifolium (shown above) invades riparian zones, salt marshes and other habitats in the western United States. It can interfere with the regeneration of cottonwoods and willow, which are two important native species in western stream corridors.

Tips to stop the spread of invasive species

Spread the word, not the invasive species

Control of invasive species can be extremely difficult once they are established. The cost to prevent, monitor, and control invasive species is huge. Prevention is far better and less expensive than control so let's work to keep them out!

Informing the public by local, state, tribal, and federal agencies can be expensive, time consuming, and sometimes even intrusive, especially when people are trying to enjoy being outside. By telling just one other person, like a neighbor or friend, you can help raise awareness and protect our water.

When you are buying plants for your yard or garden make sure they are not invasive species. Replace invasive species with non-invasive plants. Contact your local nursery for more information.

Don't release aquarium fish, live bait, or other exotic animals, or plants, into the wild. If you plan on owning an exotic pet, please do your research before committing to take care of it.

Clean your boots, bags, and any other equipment after hiking or backpacking and throw away food before you travel to different places.

Boats/Watercraft

Please fill out a certification form when you do this process.

All you need to do is Clean, Drain and Dry!

Clean any aquatic vegetation, mud and debris off of your boat and equipment.

Drain all of the water out of the boat (including live wells and ballast tanks). Make sure you lower the motor on your boat all the way in order to drain it. Leave hatches open to dry. Set anything that may have come in contact with the water out to dry (e.g., life jackets, ropes, anchors, inflatable toys).

Dry your boat for at least:

7 days in the summer
18 days in the fall or spring
30 days in winter or 3 consecutive days below freezing

Don't want to wait that long? Have a professional decontamination done. Professional decontamination uses 140 degree water with no soaps or chemicals. To find a professional decontamination station near you call:

Northern Utah 801-648-6315

Northeastern Utah 435-790-8938

Central Utah 435-503-4066

Southern Utah 435-691-2427

Southeastern Utah 435-630-3132