Our Gem Coeur d’Alene Lake Collaborative

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are plants, animals, and other organisms that are introduced by humans to new waterways and cause harm to our environment and economy. AIS invade aquatic ecosystems beyond their natural and historic range often outcompeting native species because they have no natural predators to limit their reproduction. “Invasive” is the right word to describe these organisms that overwhelm marine and freshwater environments including wetlands, lakes, rivers, irrigation systems, hydroelectric systems, and aquaculture facilities.