Great Lakes Forever c/o Biodiversity Project 4507 N Ravenswood #106 Chicago, IL 60640 773-496-4020 phone 773-906-1303 fax project@biodiverse.org   Intro :: Water Quality :: Water Supply :: Habitat Protection :: Invasives Invasive species primarily arrive in the Great Lakes as a consequence of human activity. These plants, animals, and even microscopic organisms are dangerous because they threaten to upset the balance of the native biodiversity - or ecosystem - which sustains life in the region.   Several very common invasive species currently in the Great Lakes include the Sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus), Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis), Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha, pictured below left), Round Goby (Neogobius melanstomus, pictured right), Asian Carp, and Spiny Water Flea (Bythotrephes cederstroemi).   While most exotic-invasive species arrived in the Great Lakes region by accident, some invasive species were intentionally introduced to the region in an effort to solve other problems - such as over-fishing. Today, the greatest source of exotic-invasive species in the Lakes is ship ballast water. Cargo ships that carry millions of tons of goods to and from Great Lakes ports every year rely on "ballast water" to help stabilize their ships on the seas. When these ships pick up new cargo, they can dump tens of thousands of gallons of water - often taken from distant seas - in the Great Lakes. Even the tiniest, microscopic organisms from other waters can take hold and cause a significant disturbance in the Lakes.   Invasive species carry both an ecological and economical burden for our communities. Sometimes called "biological pollution," invasive species often cause irreversible harm to the biodiversity of the Great Lakes and related basin-lands. The loss of native biodiversity could potentially cause regional extinction of many species that have survived in this region for millennia.   We all have a responsibility to help reverse this trend and prevent further damage to the ecosystem. Outdoor enthusiasts have an important role in stopping the introduction and spread of invasives. We must wash all of our equipment, including boats, containers, packs, and shoes, when traveling from one area to another. Click here to learn about other ways you can help stop the spread of invasive species.