The Introduction of Nonindigenous Species to the Chesapeake Bay via Ballast Water
- Published:
- January 5, 1995
- Originator:
- Chesapeake Bay Commission
Nonindigenous species are having dramatic effects on marine, estuarine and freshwater ecosystems through out the world. These invading species can have strong economic and environmental consequences. The impacts of the recent and well documented zebra mussel invasion in North America, ranging from clogged municipal and industrial water intake pipes to declines and perhaps extinction of native mussel populations, is testimony tio this fact. Unless adequate precautions are taken, nonindigenous species invasions of Chesapeake Bay and otgher estuaries will continue to occur, causing a broad range of impacts.