Aquatic Invasive Species

What are invasive species?

• Species that are native to an ecosystem

• Species that cause harm to human health

• Species that are non-native and cause harm to the environment

• Species that are commonly found in New Jersey waters

What is the impact of invasive fish species on native fish?

• They provide competition for food and habitat

• They help in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem

• They have no impact on native fish

• They improve the diversity of fish species

Which invasive fish species threaten recreational boating?

• Snakehead and flathead catfish

• Largemouth bass and silver carp

• Bighead carp and warmouth

• Asian swamp eel and round goby

What is the economic impact of zebra mussels?

• They cause millions of dollars of damage each year

• They have no economic impact

• They improve the water quality

• They enhance the fishing experience

Which fish species is considered potentially dangerous in New Jersey?

• WARMOUTH

• GRASS CARP

• SILVER CARP

• AMERICAN EEL

Which invasive plant can take over a wetland and make it less suitable for native wildlife?

• Purple loosestrife

• Water chestnut

• Eurasian water milfoil

• Hydrilla

What is the only freshwater mollusk that can firmly attach itself to solid objects?

• Zebra mussel

• Water chestnut

• Eurasian water milfoil

• Hydrilla

What should anglers do if they encounter potentially dangerous fish species while fishing?

• Release them back into the water

• Submit specimen(s) to Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries personnel

• Keep them as pets

• Ignore their presence

Which invasive fish species is capable of causing ecological damage?

• Channel catfish

• Flathead catfish

• Bowfin

• Largemouth bass

What should anglers do to minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species and disease?

• Move fish from one waterbody to another

• Handle fish as roughly as possible

• Release live bait into any body of water

• Clean and dry equipment between fishing trips