Breyer, Melissa. “Farm Burger Introduces Invasive Species Sandwich.” TreeHugger, Treehugger, 21 Feb. 2019, www.treehugger.com/green-food/farm-burger-introduces-invasive-species-sandwich.html.

Beginning on March 5th, a restaurant chain in the US called “Farm Burger” will be introducing the Catfish burger to their menu. In the 1970s the Catfish was introduced into the Chesapeake Bay and it had dominated the area ever since, making up 75% of the total fish biomass. These catfish threaten native species such as the menhaden fish and blue crab and pose a great threat to the region’s ecosystem and economy. The solution of this chain is to adopt the practice of catching eating the catfish to hopefully reduce its vast population.

I’ve heard of many other invasive species featured on menus to help alleviate their negative effects, however, I’m not sure how effective this solution may be. These catfish makeup ¾ the total weight of all fish in the region and with only 12 stores across the US, it does not seem they will be able to completely rid of the catfish. Especially if there is no large demand for a catfish burger there will be no real threats of predation on the catfish. Although a clever idea, more efforts should be made to recover the ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay other than a new menu item.

“Foreign Bees Monopolize Prize Resources in Biodiversity Hotspot.” ScienceDaily, ScienceDaily, 20 Feb. 2019, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190220103339.htm.

Research from the University of San Diego has identified that foreign bees have dominated the monopoly as pollinators. They have taken over the visiting flowers in San Diego, serving as a biodiversity hotspot, by 90%. The native bees simply serve as 75% of the pollinators in the area, however, the non-native bees monopolize the most abundantly blooming plant species. This is significant as these patterns could have a major effect on the ecology of the area in terms of what plants become more spread with pollination.

This research exemplifies how a non-native species can directly change the ecology and environment of an area. Bees are small creatures, but often serve as keystone species, so the fact that two breeds of bees are competing will produce interesting results and may even create adaptations or mutations in the bee population. It is not clear whether these bees could spread into other regions, or if so when they will, however, it is an observation to pay close attention to as it could pose threats to the plant life of many areas.

VENKATASUBRAMANIAN. “New Global Trade Route Could Shuttle Invasive Species.” Recent Articles | Air Pollution | The Scientist Magazine®, The Scientist Magazine, Feb. 2019, www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/new-global-trade-route-could-shuttle-invasive-species-65487.

China has developed an infrastructure project in 2013 to strengthen its global trade that is scheduled for completion in 2022. Named BRI, or Belt and Road Initiative will reach over half the planet as a “network of overland corridors and maritime shipping lanes.” However, this poses a huge risk of introductions of invasive species, especially vertebrate, insect and pathogen species. This new trade route will hit 77% of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, and this is a big issue as new species settling in whichever area has the most suitable climate will bring forth devastating economic and environmental impacts.

Many researchers have developed many contentions against this trade route and have stated that simply throwing more money at the issue will not solve the issue, pointing at Australia as an example. I believe that if this project is to continue to develop a lot more effort needs to be made in terms of regulating these ships, cleaning them, and informing the staff and ports of the threat of invasive species so they can carry out the appropriate precautions. Extensive efforts must be made to prevent further threats of invasive species as increased human activity is what’s bring it about.    

Price, Courtney. “Home.” CAFF, 2019, caff.is/invasive-species.

CAFF, (Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna) and PAME, (Protection of Arctic Marine Environment) has developed an action plan called ARIAS, (Arctic Invasive Alien Species) to prevent the threat of invasive species in the Arctic’s fragile ecosystem. They have partnered to highlight a list of priorities for the Arctic Council to avoid the spread and introduction of invasive alien species. Although the actions are not specified, they aim to “provide guidance on where to start, where to place priorities, and where to invest in the future of the Arctic.” There is a lot of urgency behind these efforts due to the imminent threat of climate change and increased human activity in the area, as more invasive species are expected to arrive as an effect.

The efforts being made by CAFF and ARIAS are commendable and wise in terms of protecting the arctic before its ecosystem is harmed to a point of no return. By anticipating the effects of climate change the two organizations are able to prevent the outcomes of habitat destruction and displacement that has become an unfortunate reality for many species all over the world due to invasive species. Humans are responsible in large for invasive species and it is good that efforts are being made to halt the practices of reckless human activity by bringing forth strong incentives to the Arctic Council.  

Lanese, Nicoletta. “Lionfish: Beautiful and Dangerous Invaders.” LiveScience, Purch, 17 Jan. 2019, www.livescience.com/64533-lionfish.html.

The venomous spikes of lion fishes are going beyond their “Indo-Pacific” grounds and invading tropical waters. They have been found in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and even North Carolina, and Florida. In these regions they have no natural predators, not even sharks attempt to attack them, so they have been ravaging the native fish populations and according to research, may even be consuming species of fish that have not been discovered by scientists yet. To combat this invasive species, contests named derbies give prizes and awards to divers who can kill the most lionfish in attempt to revive native fish populations, however, researchers suggest that there are mass populations of lionfish flourishing below depths physically possible for divers- in response companies such as i-robot have developed diving robots equipped with a “lethal shock.”

The invasion of these majestic fish is most likely due to shipments for fish tanks and pet stores. These exports and imports of tropical or “exotic” creatures must end immediately as the toll it is taking on other ecosystems is becoming more and more extreme with an estimated 65-95% of native fish populations decimated. The solutions to combat invasive species are becoming more and more creative with robots, competitions, and cookbooks, however, more effort should be put towards stopping the issue from continuing to occur through stronger legislation and regulation rather than mitigating and managing the effects.  

Yasemin Saplakoglu, (2018, August 30). Newly Discovered Hybrid Pythons Could Threaten Florida’s Everglades. Retrieved November 8, 2018, from

https://www.livescience.com/63464-hybrid-python-threat-wildlife.html

The population of the invasive hybrid of the Burmese Python and Indian Python is growing at increasing rates in the Florida Everglades. The Burmese Python is one in which is more accustomed to wet climates like riverine forests and flooded grasslands whereas Indian Pythons prefer drier regions. A hybrid of the two snakes has allowed them to become more adaptive to climate change as they can now thrive in a wide range of environments. Both of these snakes were introduced to Florida as exotic pets and were introduced into Florida’s wilderness in the 1980s. Their multiplying population has been wreaking havoc on Florida’s population of small mammals.

This connects to environmental science as invasive species are quickly adjusting to the changing environment as a result of human activity. Typically, invasive species already have an advantage upon entering a new ecosystem, with their lack of predators and their prey’s inability to adapt quickly to their presence. However, now that two invasive snakes have formed a hybrid, the python is even more difficult to compete with. The snake’s adjustment to climate change is impressive, though it presents an even more grave threat to the Everglade ecosystem. With a large increase of predators the snakes will soon deplete the population of small mammals which will create a chain reaction in the food web, however, it will be interesting to see whether the python’s population will then deplete, immigrate to a new region, or if it will continue to adapt and expand to a different food source, dominating and destroying Florida’s Everglades.  

Stephanie Pappas, (2018, September 21). Mutant Green Crabs are Mean, They’re Invading Maine’s Waters. Retrieved on November 8, 2018, from

https://www.livescience.com/63647-mutant-green-crabs-invading-maine.html

A more aggressive breed of the green crab, (Carcinus maenas), has been reported invading the waters of Maine. The green crab arrived in North America around the 1800s along the ships from Europe and has lived in Maine’s coast since, however, “a genetically distinct population of this species has traveled south from Nova Scotia, Canada,” (Pappas).  Scientists have made connections to this migration due to the warming waters as the same pattern was documented during a warmer period in the 1950s. These more aggressive and intrusive crabs have been consuming mussels and clams, organisms crucial to the ecosystem and Maine’s economy, and shredding eelgrass habitat as they hunt. Efforts are being made by the US Army Corps of Engineers to make and install crab fences to keep them out of “valuable shellfish beds” (Pappas).

This relates to environmental science as the invasion is in part due to a global warming of the waters that make for a more suitable environment for these destructive crabs. On top of harming Maine’s economy, these crabs are destroying sensitive ecosystems with their eating habits and destructive behavior. Research is being done by running the crabs on treadmills to test their metabolism and endurance to understand how “temperature and salinity might alter the crabs’ behavior” (Pappas). This is concerning scientists and inhabitants, as invasive species are not only are threatening native food webs, but adapting as a result of climate change and causing more harm as a result.

Kimberly Hickok, (2018 July 20). Tropical Pink ‘Sea Pickles’ are Invading the Pacific Northwest. Retrieved on November 8, 2018, from

https://www.livescience.com/63125-sea-pickle-invasion.html

Sea pickles, (Pyrosoma atlanticum), are tropical to subtropical marine life that invaded the Pacific Northwest Coast, mainly around the beaches of Southern California, in 2014. They are multicellular organisms referred to as Zooids, that consume phytoplankton by filtering through liters of water at a time. In 2017, fishermen and researchers have noticed an unprecedented increase of sea pickles along the colder shores of Northern California, Washington, and Oregon. It shocked marine biologists to discover this species can adapt to colder waters, especially due to its ideal food resources. The Sea Pickles form highly concentrated “blooms” making it hard for local fishermen as this species always finds itself tangled in their nets and have been proven very difficult to get out. Since 2017, the Pacific Northwest fishing industry has been struggling as a result of this invasive species.

This connects to environmental science as the issue of invasive species is typically perceived to be a battle fought on land, however, such species can present a threat to our coasts as well. The quick adaptation of the Sea Pickle is an intimidating factor as they have demonstrated the capability to expand their habitats and dominate a coastal region with fast-growing populations. If gone unchecked, Sea Pickles could overpopulate the Pacific Northwestern Coastline, damage the local fishing industries, and threaten other marine wildlife with the alarming rates they take up space and consume the phytoplankton food source.  

Brigit Katz, (2018, August 70). Blood-Sucking Invasive Tick Species Spreading Across United States. Retrieved November 8, 2018, from

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-species-tick-invading-united-states-180969927/

The Asian Longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis), is an invasive organism that was documented in a sheep enclosure in New Jersey and has already spread to seven US states, including New York, Arkansas, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. This tick is native to regions in Japan, China, and Korea. It is not clear how the ticks came to the US, but it is hypothesized they hitched a ride on a domestic animal or even a human. The Asian Longhorn Ticks are a particular threat to animals as they cling to their host and feed on the animals until they die due to extreme blood loss. They reproduce asexually, self-producing as much as 2,000 offspring, spreading at exponential rates. This tick is also a threat to humans as they can spread fatal diseases such as “thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), which can lead to internal bleeding and organ failure” (Katz).

The Asian Longhorn Tick demonstrates just how meticulous people need to be while traveling in order to prevent the introduction of invasive species in the US. This tick is a nightmare for livestock and domesticated animals, however, studies have proven the longhorn tick not particularly discriminating when choosing its host, and can, therefore, pose a real threat to humans. Being in California, many may feel removed from this East Coast issue, however, with exponential growth rates and evident naivety among spreading unwanted species, the Asian Longhorn Tick can just as easily affect our lives as well. This furthers the much-needed attention towards invasive species prevention as they can harm and kill America’s food supply, beloved household pets, and even us.

Yasemin Saplakoglu, (2018, June 18). This Towering Plant is Invading the US, and it’s causing Serious Sunburns. Retrieved November 8, 2018, from

https://www.livescience.com/62847-what-is-giant-hogweed.html

The giant hogweed, otherwise known as Heracleum mantegazzianum, is an invasive species of plant that was recently spotted in Virginia and has evidence of establishing “a home across many parts of the mid-Atlantic, Northwest and New England regions” (Saplakoglu). This plant stands fourteen feet tall with white flowers that sprout at the top. The danger behind the giant hogweed lies in its sap that has a toxin capable of stripping the human body’s ability to control UV rays from the sun. This leads to a very severe type of burn upon contact scientifically known as phytophotodermatitis that causes “rashes, painful blisters, scarring and long-term sensitivity to sunlight” (Saplakoglu). Furthermore, if this toxic sap is exposed to the eyes it can lead to vision loss. It is unclear where this invasive species originated, however, it is commonly mistaken for the native species, cow parsnip, leading many to become victim to a classic case of mistaken identity. With that, it is recommended to avoid all contact with plants fitting the hogweed description and immediately report the sighting to their local environmental agency.  

This Article exemplifies the harmful impact poor regulation and awareness of invasive species can cause. The giant hogweed is a threat to not only the inhabitants of the regions but especially young children who, are more so, left unaware. The main concern is that these children may come into contact with this plant, either mistaking it for the commonly spotted cow parsnip, or due to the attraction of its flowers, and experience extreme burns, blisters, and even loss of eyesight. This article only goes so far in spreading important information to the public about the harmful plant life inhabiting the US, but many are still unaware of the threat invasive species pose, beyond terrible sunburns. Environmental science puts emphasis on such harmful consequences, but as demonstrated, the threat of invasive species is becoming more personal to humans and demands more attention.