Photo: #A jumping Asian carp on the Missouri River. These non-native species can grow up to 110 pounds and outcompete native fish species for food. They have been spreading up the Mississippi River system since escaping from fish farms in the South, and have been seen in Minnesota.
Photo: #A sign in Park County, Wyoming. Some ecologists say a militaristic approach to invasive species management can create more harm than good for local environments. Others say drastic measures, such as applying herbicides to large swaths of land, are necessary to control invasives.
Photo: #Since it was found near Detroit in 2002, the emerald ash borer has been responsible for millions of dollars of damage to ash trees in Midwestern states. Now, it has recently been found in the Twin Cities, and it poses a threat to the nearly 1 billion ash trees in Minnesota. The adult borer is a metallic, coppery-green color and one-third to one-half inch long.
Photo: #Garlic mustard is another invasive species present in Minnesota. It was introduced from Europe, and can crowd out native plant species on forest floors. However, garlic mustard is difficult and labor-intensive to control.
Photo: #Zebra mussels are an invasive species that has already entered the Great Lakes through ballast water dumped by oceangoing ships. They have also been found in the Mississippi River and in inland lakes.
Larger view
A jumping Asian carp on the Missouri River. These non-native species can grow up to 110 pounds and outcompete native fish species for food. They have been spreading up the Mississippi River system since escaping from fish farms in the South, and have been seen in Minnesota. (Photo by Jason Jenkins, University of Missouri)
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Are all invasive species as bad as the Asian carp?

Broadcast: Midmorning, 12/10/2009, 9:06 a.m.

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The discovery of Asian carp DNA near Lake Michigan has ecologists and officials from Great Lakes states concerned that efforts to prevent the voracious fish from entering the lakes have failed. The Asian carp is one example of an invasive species that can have a devastating impact on the environment, but one biologist says not all invasive species need to be eradicated.

Guests

  • Joel Brammeier: Acting president of the Alliance for the Great Lakes.
  • Mark Davis: Chair of the Biology department at Macalester College in St. Paul and author of "Invasion Biology."
  • Dan Simberloff: Professor of environmental science, ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and director of the Institute for Biological Invasions.

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