June 19
By Eric Sowl
They arrive by boat and by plane — some on purpose, some on accident. And some because of the changing environment. Invasive species are coming north.
They all have some sort of impact on the ecosystem. The popular salmon fishery of Alexander Creek was wiped out when Northern Pike were introduced into the waters.
The Alaska Department of Fish & Game website lists the following invasive species found in our state:
Atlantic salmon
Chinese mitten crab
Chytrid fungus
Didemnum vexillum
European green crab
European starling
Gypsy moth
Invasive tunicates like Botrylloides violaceus and Botryllus schlosseri
New Zealand mudsnails
Northern pike
Norway rat
Quagga mussels
Red-legged frog
Rock dove
Sargassum muticum
Zebra mussels
The U.S. Department of Agriculture lists 53 plants as invasive to Alaska, including Canada thistle, scotchbroom and European bird cherry.
Those who encounter an invasive species should report the sighting to Fish and Game via their website.