What are exotic species (aquatic nuisance species)?
Exotic species, also called non-indigenous species (NIS), or invasive species, are organisms that have moved beyond their natural geographical range of habitat. They represent all phyla, from microorganisms to various plants and animals, both terrestrial and aquatic. Specially, exotic aquatics, also called aquatic nuisance species (ANS), are non-indigenous species (NIS) that threaten the diversity or abundance of native species or the ecological stability of infested waters, or commercial, agricultural, aquacultural or recreational activities dependent on such waters. ANS include nonindigenous species that may occur in inland, estuarine and marine waters and that presently or potentially threaten ecological processes and natural resources. In addition to adversely affecting activities dependant on waters of the United States, ANS adversely affect individuals, including health effects. Sea Grant and other organizations are concerned with the increasing number of aquatic exotic species.
