Invasive species, also known as exotics, are plants, animals,
insects, and aquatic species introduced into non-native habitats.
Without natural predators or threats, these introduced species
then multiply.
Often,invasive species travel to non-native areas by ship,
either in ballast water released into harbors or attached to the
sides of boats. From there, introduced species can then spread
and significantly alter ecosystems and the natural food chain as
they go. Another example of non-native species introduction
is the dumping of aquarium fish into waterways.
Invasive species also put water conveyance systems at risk. Water
pumps and other infrastructure can potentially shut down due to
large numbers of invasive species.
A project to suffocate Asian clams at Lake Tahoe’s treasured
Emerald Bay may be coming to an end this month, when divers
help remove about 5 acres of rubber matting being used to cut
off the species’ oxygen supply.
Asian Citrus Psyllids, an invasive insect, have been found in
Manteca and Lodi, according to San Joaquin County Agricultural
Commissioner Tim Pelican. … The psyllids pose no threat to
humans, but they can carry the huanglongbing disease, also
known as citrus greening.
For the second year in a row, despite state officials’ efforts
to control water hyacinth with herbicides as early as March,
another bumper crop is now making its annual fall push into
Stockton and other portions of the Delta.
Invasive species are both a fact of life and a scientific
puzzle. … Many of those species die off in their new homes.
Some barely eke out an existence. But some become ecological
nightmares.
This 24×36 inch poster, suitable for framing, explains how
non-native invasive animals can alter the natural ecosystem,
leading to the demise of native animals. “Unwelcome Visitors”
features photos and information on four such species – including
the zerbra mussel – and explains the environmental and economic
threats posed by these species.
This 24×36 inch poster, suitable for framing, explains how
non-native invasive plants can alter the natural ecosystem,
leading to the demise of native plants and animals. “Space
Invaders” features photos and information on six non-native
plants that have caused widespread problems in the Bay-Delta
Estuary and elsewhere.
The 24-page Layperson’s Guide to the Delta explores the competing
uses and demands on California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Included in the guide are sections on the history of the Delta,
its role in the state’s water system, and its many complex and
competing issues with sections on water quality, levees, salinity
and agricultural drainage, and water distribution.
