Our lakes, rivers, and streams are already home to many AIM. One example is the giant apple snail. This South American snail damages rice crops and levees and can spread parasites. And across the country, invasive plants like Eurasian watermilfoil are choking out native vegetation, reducing habitats for fish and birds, and hindering waterway commerce and recreation. These two species alone cost our economy millions of dollars each year. These and other organisms introduced through the marketplace have biological characteristics that allow them to thrive in new environments—often at the expense of native species.

The species included here aren’t necessarily invasive. But they are all non-natives introduced through the marketplace and many are causing harm. Follow the links to learn more about each species.