What’s black, white, and dangerously strong? Zebra muscles – er, mussels!
Zebra mussels are an invasive species in the Great Lakes, probably brought via ballast water discharged by large ships from Europe. These mussels take over hard surfaces such as buoys, docks, and submerged archaeological resources, including the shipwrecks in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Zebra mussels’ presence on shipwrecks creates a significant challenge for archaeologists, historians, and resource managers, making it difficult for them to document wrecks over time. They also alter nutrient cycles and deplete the local food supply for native species.
(Photo: USFWS)
[Image description: Black and white striped mussels.]
Shipwrecks and submerged archaeological resources in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary have become a popular home for invasive quagga and zebra mussels.
Mussel colonization can deteriorate these archaeological time capsules, making it more difficult for archaeologists, historians, and resource managers to document the wrecks. Zebra and quagga mussels also pose a threat to their local ecosystem; as consumptive filter feeders, each mussel can filter a liter of water per day! This depletes the food supply for many native fish and invertebrate species.
And that’s a wrap for Invasive Species Week! Learn more about invasive species in our national marine sanctuaries here.
(Photo: David J. Ruck/NOAA)
[Image description: A shipwreck propeller covered in mussels.]
In Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, invasive quagga and zebra mussels pose a threat to both shipwrecks and the local ecosystem. Mussel colonization can deteriorate archaeological resources like shipwrecks; when they coat these resources, too, it can be harder for archaeologists to document wrecks. Because these mussels are consumptive filter feeders – each mussel can filter a liter of water per day! – they also deplete the food supply for native species in the Great Lakes.
Lionfish are native to the Pacific Ocean, but in recent years they’ve been appearing in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, including in Gray’s Reef, Florida Keys, Flower Garden Banks and Monitor national marine sanctuaries.
With 18 venomous spines, they’re dangerous for divers in those areas.
But it’s not just humans that are at risk: lionfish are threatening entire ecosystems.
These fish have voracious appetites, and outside the Pacific they have no natural predators. A thousand lionfish can consume 5 million prey fish in a single year.
So you can see how their impacts can begin to add up. Researchers in affected national marine sanctuaries are studying these fish to understand what they’re eating, and are working to remove them from their invaded habitats. You can help, too, by participating in lionfish derbies and eating lionfish at home and in restaurants.
Lionfish aren’t the only invasive species in national marine sanctuaries, though. In Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron, zebra and quagga mussels compete with native mussel species.
Each one of these bivalves can filter up to a liter of water each day and alter food webs as a result. They also degrade the integrity of many of the Great Lakes’ historic shipwrecks.
Another invasive species, orange cup coral, has established itself throughout the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, including in Flower Garden Banks and Florida Keys national marine sanctuaries.
This bright coral thrives on artificial substrates like shipwrecks and oil and gas platforms; in Flower Garden Banks it is also expanding into the natural reef.
As it colonizes these spaces, orange cup coral leaves less and less room for native corals and sponges.
The good news is, that from research to removal efforts to targeting your culinary adventuring, we can help protect these fragile ecosystems from invasive species.
All week long, we’ll be bringing you information about invasive species and their effects on national marine sanctuaries. Though environments certainly change over time, invasive species can crowd out native species, shifting the balance and potentially damaging the ecosystem to which they’ve been introduced. Here, Dr. Steve Lonhart surveys an area of rocky reef in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary for invasive species.
(Photo: Chad King/NOAA)
[Image description: A diver using a square made of PVC pipe to survey the kelp forest floor.]
All week long, we’ll be bringing you information about invasive species and their effects on national marine sanctuaries. Though environments certainly change over time, invasive species can crowd out native species, shifting the balance and potentially damaging the ecosystem to which they’ve been introduced.
Here, Dr. Steve Lonhart surveys an area of rocky reef in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary for invasive species. These surveys are a part of a series by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center to detect and characterize the spread of invasive species.
Learn more about invasive species in sanctuaries here.
Invasive Species Week is upon us, and what better way to kick off the week than with the infamous *drumroll please* lionfish! 🦁🐠
In recent years, Indo-Pacific lionfish have been found in coral reefs throughout the southeast Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean – including in sanctuaries like Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Because of their voracious appetites, rapid reproduction rate, and lack of natural predators, these invasive lionfish post a serious threat to coral reefs, with potential long-term consequences for native fish communities, habitats, and entire ecosystems.
It’s Invasive Species Week! This week, we’ll be bringing you stories about the invasive species that are found in your national marine sanctuaries and how you can help.
In recent years, Indo-Pacific lionfish have been found in coral reefs throughout the southeast Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean – including in sanctuaries like Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Because of their voracious appetites, rapid reproduction rate, and lack of natural predators, these invasive lionfish post a serious threat to coral reefs, with potential long-term consequences for native fish communities, habitats, and entire ecosystems.
Located in northwestern Lake Huron, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects one of the most treacherous stretches of water within the Great Lakes system. The area is nicknamed “Shipwreck Alley” for the unpredictable weather and rocky shoals that have claimed more than 200 ships over the centuries – so lighthouses have played an integral role in Thunder Bay history.
Look closely here and you can see the “new” Presque Isle lighthouse peeking out over the trees. This lighthouse was built in 1870 and is still in operation, though it has been automated since 1970. Now, the lighthouse grounds and 1870’s keeper’s house are open to the public and the tower is open for climbing during the summer months.
This Lake Huron sanctuary is adjacent to one of the most treacherous stretches of water within the Great Lakes. Unpredictable weather, murky fog banks, sudden gales, and rocky shoals have earned the area the name “Shipwreck Alley.” Today, the sanctuary protects more than 100 known shipwrecks!
The Smallest Marine Mammal Who Ever Lived (in North America)
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The sea otter, the smallest marine mammal in North America, is a member of the weasel family and the only marine mammal that doesn’t have blubber to keep it warm. Instead, the sea otter relies on its thick fur to keep its body temperature around 100 degrees.
Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?
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Whale sharks are known to be the largest fish in the world, with some individuals measuring 20 meters (60 feet) long and weighing around 40 tons. But, do not fear! Despite their tremendous size, they are gentle giants, using their nearly 1.5 m-wide (5-foot) mouths to filter plankton out of large volumes of water as they swim. Nothing to be afraid of.
