The Laurentian Great Lakes are the largest unfrozen reservoir of freshwater on earth, accounting for almost one-fifth of the worlds fresh surface water. They are vital to the economy of the Great Lakes region and to the quality of life of its residents, providing drinking water for more than 33 million people in Canada and the United States, supplying hydroelectric power, supporting industries, providing waterborne transportation, and offering a variety of recreational opportunities. Human activities have, however, imposed stresses on the Great Lakes basins ecological integrity, and one of these stresses the introduction of nonindigenous species of animals and plants is the focus of this report. The opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 provided a route into the Great Lakes not only for international maritime trade but also for aquatic invasive species (AIS) carried in the ballast water needed by ships to operate safely. Ships ballast water is not the only vector by which AIS enter the Great Lakes, but it has accounted for 55 to 70 percent of reported AIS introductions since 1959, including that of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha).

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This open access book describes the serious threat of invasive species to native ecosystems. Invasive species have caused and will continue to cause enormous ecological and economic damage with ever increasing world trade. This multi-disciplinary book, written by over 100 national experts, presents the latest research on a wide range of natural science and social science fields that explore the ecology, impacts, and practical tools for management of invasive species. It covers species of all taxonomic groups from insects and pathogens, to plants, vertebrates, and aquatic organisms that impact a diversity of habitats in forests, rangelands and grasslands of the United States. It is well-illustrated, provides summaries of the most important invasive species and issues impacting all regions of the country, and includes a comprehensive primary reference list for each topic. This scientific synthesis provides the cultural, economic, scientific and social context for addressing environmental challenges posed by invasive species and will be a valuable resource for scholars, policy makers, natural resource managers and practitioners.