Ways to Protect the Environment

Overview | Coastal Development | Introduced Species | What is Being Done?

Introduced Species

What are introduced species and how do they affect marine habitats?

An introduced species, also called "invasive species" or "non-native species", is an organism that is not naturally part of an ecosystem but which was brought into an area. Humans are often responsible for transporting species from one place to another, without being aware of it. Species can also be carried from place to place by other organisms, such as birds that migrate far distances. They can cause major changes in the habitat of marine organisms.

Humans transport introduced species when ships travel from one part of the ocean to another. In order to keep ships balanced and floating, they take in and release ballast water as needed. Ballast water can carry organisms that were not intended to be moved. This unforeseen result of ocean transportation is responsible for many species moving across the ocean and disrupting habitats. Introduced species do not have any natural predators in their new environments and often thrive, competing with species that live there naturally. Such changes cause disturbance throughout food webs, affecting many habitats and entire ecosystems.

Ships are also responsible for transporting rodents, insects, and other unwanted hitchhikers. Rats, for example, are a serious problem in Alaska. They escape from ships traveling from various foreign ports.

Research Links Related to Protecting Habitats:

• Alaska Native Harbor Seal Commission
  Native Alaskan programs for conservation and preservation of Harbor Seal.
   
• Alaska SeaLife Center -- Harbor Seal
  Photo gallery, scientific and environmental research, causes of decline.
   
• Ballast Water
  Basic Info and Fact Sheets from the MIT Sea Grant, Center for Coastal Resources
   
• Caribbean Conservation Corporation -- Green Sea Turtles
  Teacher resources, coloring pages, online newsletter for kids.
   
• Green Sea Turtle - Conservation Issues and Status
  Basic facts with a focus on conservation status and conservation organizations.
   
• NOAA -- Arctic Theme Page -- Polar Bear
  Discussion of how climate change is affecting Polar Bear populations.
   
• NOAA - Green Sea Turtle with Photos
  Species description and links to recovery plans from the Federal Registry.
   
• NOAA - Lionfish Invasion!
  Interesting story and video about an introduced species--the Lionfish.
   
• NOAA -- Marine Debris Program
  Outreach program and education (Marine 101 class) about marine pollution and clean up off New Hampshire coast.
   
• Penguin Science
  How giant icebergs, disappearing sea ice, and shifting weather patterns are affecting penguins. Has a penguin cam plus video and lots of images.
   
• Stop Rats! - Protect Alaska - Rats are Bad News for People and Wildlife
  Impacts of Rats on Alaskan Islands  how boat owners are working to keep their islands rat-free