Invasive Species
Washington State defines invasive species as “invasive species include non-native organisms that cause economic or environmental harm and are capable of spreading to new areas of the state. Invasive species does not include domestic livestock, intentionally planted agronomic crops, or non-harmful exotic organisms” (Revised Code of Washington 79A.25.310). Invasive species can be spread by various means including: boats/boat trailers, animals, on boots and in clothing. Sometimes species will be introduced intentionally, however this is rare. Species of particular threat to Lake Whatcom Include Zebra Mussels, New Zealand Mud Snail, Asian Carp, and Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS). Currently, none of Washington State’s 15 species identified as “most unwanted” are found in the lake. Eurasian Water milfoil is the only known aquatic invasive species in Lake Whatcom that is on Washington’s list of 50 unwanted species (13 of which are freshwater).
Read more about this topic: Lake Whatcom
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