Massachusetts Invasive Water Species You Should Avoid

While we in Massachusetts typically don’t think about invasive species, and our environment is much more resistant to them due to our cold winters, there are a surprising number of invasive species clogging up the waterways of the Bay State.

Jim Straub of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Lakes and Ponds program explained how invasive species negatively affect the health of Massachusetts aquatic environments.

“Aquatic Invasive Species are impacting the aquatic environment here in Massachusetts in many ways,” he said. “They outcompete native species for resources, they clog waterways and prevent swimming, boating and the water-based activities and each winter, they die off and the remains of these overpopulated AIS impact water quality in the lakes.”

“Nutrients are released which impact the health of the lake and all of the organisms in it. This rapid and drastic change in the ecosystem throws the whole balance off,” he said.

While many Massachusetts residents will spend their entire lives never seeing these invasive animals, there are problem species that negatively contribute to the ecosystem of the state.

What Are Some Invasive Water Species in Massachusetts?

According to the DCR’s guide on invasive species, one of the most numerous of these species is the zebra mussel, freshwater mussels native to the Caspian and Black Seas.

The Zebra Mussel Can Be a Pain in the Foot

Zebra mussels can breed very quickly, and clog intake pipes for factories, water treatment plants, boat motors, nuclear facilities, and power plant cooling systems, causing these systems to fail and resulting in millions of dollars of damage.

The mussels also outcompete similar organisms in the local environment, stealing both their food and space. Their sharp shells also pose a danger to swimmers and beachgoers. These mussels also have microscopic larvae that can be transferred by anything from a boat to a cooler to a flip flop.

Zebra mussels are up to two inches in length. The D-shaped shells are yellowish-brown with alternating dark and light bands.

Immediately report any suspected sighting to the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The Asian Clam Can Clog Up Your Day

A similar animal, the Asian clam, also has a negative impact, known most for clogging up equipment, as it enjoys settling in boat motors, water intake pipes and power plants.

The Asian clam similarly outcompetes local organisms for space and food.
Juvenile forms of the Asian clam are microscopic and can travel undetected in murky water or on boat trailers.

The Asian clam is usually less than an inch and a half wide and is dark beige to brown in color. The outside of the shell is lined with concentric elevated ridges. On the inside of the shell are three cardinal and two lateral teeth.

Sinister-Looking Snakehead Has Been Reported in Massachusetts

Most concerning of all, there have been two reports of adult northern snakehead fish in the waterways of Massachusetts.

Snakeheads are a fish native to China and were most likely introduced to Massachusetts via the aquarium trade.

Snakeheads present a massive threat to local ecosystems and environments- they are a famously effective invasive species, well known to already have taken over the waterways of Florida, outcompeting local fish and causing population drops, possibly even extinctions.

They can grow over three feet long and weigh up to 15 pounds.

They are voracious top-level carnivores that have large mouths lined with sharp canine teeth and feed on native fish, frogs and other aquatic wildlife. Snakehead fish are able to breathe air, and if they remain moist, can survive out of water for several days.

Snakeheads have been reported to cross land by wiggling and/or by using their fins, although these attempts are often unsuccessful. Snakeheads are similar in pattern and appearance to a boa constrictor, with the same green and brown pockmarked pattern. No breeding populations of this fish have been reported, but if one is established, it would be disastrous for the ecosystem of Massachusetts.

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Challenges in Dealing With Invasive Water Species

Straub described the difficulties that come with trying to contain these invasive species, and also the legality of transporting AIS.

“The biggest challenge with AIS is their ability to spread rapidly either via water flow or spread by humans. With aquatic recreation throughout New England, the possibility of spread is very real,” he said.

“Organisms from the Great Lakes can make their way to New England via boats and other recreational equipment and also by mere flow. This makes it very difficult to stop the spread of these organisms,” Straub said. “The state of Massachusetts, along with many other states, have made transporting AIS illegal.”

Can Invasive Species Be Contained?

Despite these challenges, Straub remains hopeful that the DCR Lakes and Ponds Program can contain these species and prevent new ones from popping up in the state’s ecosystem.

“We try to focus on new invading species that have not been established in this state yet. If we can eradicate the early invaders, this will save us plenty of resources and stop them from becoming established," he said.

How You Can Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Water Species

Straub also described what people can do to prevent the spread and help contain these problem species.

“The universal message that DCR and hundreds of other environmental agencies throughout the United States recommend is decontamination,” he said. “If you clean all your equipment when going between aquatic environments, there is little to no chance of spreading the AIS.”

The DCR also recommends that if people catch what they believe to be a non-native fish, especially a snakehead, they should call the DCR office at (617) 626-1250.