Great Lakes Loss
Although it is the smallest of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie has lost more species of fish than the other four lakes. Lake Erie has lost ten fish species, Lake Michigan has lost eight, and Lakes Huron and Ontario have each lost seven. Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes hasn’t lost any species, but it has seen native fish populations decline. Fish species losses in the Lakes are blamed on over-harvesting, predation and competition for food from invasive species. Invasive fish like Asian carp and round goby compete with native fish for food and habitat. Other invasives, like Eurasian water-milfoil plants, change the Great Lakes habitat by displacing native plant populations that support fish and other wildlife.
Viewer Tip: One way invasive species are spread in the Great Lakes is by “hitchhiking” on boating equipment. If you are a recreational boater, make sure you don’t give invasives a free ride: remove any visible mud and plants from equipment that was in the water, including your boat and trailer. Dry your boat and equipment for at least 48 hours before taking into another water body. And remember to never put any plants, fish or other animals into a body of water – unless they came out of that same water!
This information is provided by the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Learn more about Great Lakes invasive species: www.greatlakes.org/invasivespecies.
