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See also: Community Monitoring Invasive Species Information and Field Guides for more resources

Update: Invasive Zebra Mussels Found in Pets Stores in 21 States (Mar 8, 2021; U.S. Geological Survey Press Release). Agencies, industry in coordinated response to help stores and consumers find and destroy troublesome shellfish.

The Pet Advocacy Network (formerly PIJAC - Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council) wishes to inform you of an important invasive species threat that was recently discovered in the U.S. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), which are regarded as one of the most troublesome invasive species in North America, have been discovered within a variety of moss ball products designed for aquarium use, including products being sold and used in aquariums in stores in multiple states, including Oregon, Washington and Florida.

Specifically identified in a report from the U.S. Geological Survey Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, a release from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and a press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, PIJAC urges you to take immediate action to inspect your fish tanks and take action as necessary. For more information on how to dispose of recently-purchased moss balls, see Zebra Mussel Disposal from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Scientists tallying the economic damage wrought by invasive pests across the world found two species are responsible for more harm than any other.

The American bullfrog and brown tree snake have collectively caused $16.3bn in global damage since 1986. In addition to ecological harm, the invasive pair have ruined farm crops and triggered costly power outages.

Maryland's commercial harvesters and fisheries managers are collaborating to preserve the commercial fisheries of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Innovative management and marketing techniques are being brought together to energize the commercial fishing industry. Commercial landings for invasive fishes include blue catfish and northern snakeheads. Learn more about becoming a commercial harvester and making money on selling invasive fishes. Commercial fishing has expanded to include invasive fishes, which are highly palatable and ones that Marylanders hope can be harvested at levels that minimize their ecological impacts to the natural resources we want to protect.