When an invasive alien species is introduced into a new region, it poses a dangerous threat to the native species. Alien populations usually increase very rapidly and often outcompete, prey upon, or smother native species. It is therefore essential that we become aware of our native species so that we can work towards their preservation.
Some of the most common native aquatic species in our coastal and estuarine habitats include: the rock crab (Cancer irroratus), the black-fingered mud crab (Panopeus herbstii), grass shrimp (Palaemonetes species), sand shrimp (Crangon septemspinosa), isopods (e.g. Idotea baltica), amphipods (e.g. Gammarus sp.), American eel (Anguilla rostrata), mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus), and Northern pipefish (Syngnathus fuscus). Each of these species plays a vital role in our aquatic ecosystems, making their protection essential to the well-being of all organisms within our region.
Additional information on native aquatic species will be added in the near future. If there is a species you are interested in learning more about, please email us at info@ProjectUFO.ca.
Additional weblinks related to native aquatic species:
- The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada website is an excellent source of information concerning our native aquatic species.
- The Great Lakes Regional Aquatic Gap Analysis works to preserve biodiversity in the Great Lakes Basin. Their goal is to keep common species common.
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