Series:

Invasive species in Puget Sound

About the series

A main story and 3 vignettes on the sources, impacts, and regulation of non-native species entering local waters. Sponsored by U.S. EPA and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Nearly half of the invasive species in Puget Sound's marine waters have been found within the last 20 years. Among the most common pathways for invaders are ships and boats that may carry thousands of tiny hitchhikers. Our series looks at this growing threat and some of the species of top concern.  To be notified of new Salish Sea Currents stories, subscribe to the Puget Sound Institute eNews.

Sponsored by

United States Environmental Protection Agency logo WDFW logo

Latest story posted: 8/02/2016

Related stories

A clump of cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) Photo: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Invasive marine species: Washington state priorities

The Washington Invasive Species Council evaluated more than 700 invasive species in and around Washington, considering their threats to the state’s environment, economy, and human health. They included terrestrial plants and animals, aquatic plants and animals (both freshwater and saltwater), insects and diseases. In the end, the council listed 50 “priority species” for action, including five marine animals and two marine plants, along with one virus that infects fish. 


Species and food webs, Marine habitat, Estuarine habitat, Nearshore habitat, Salish Sea Currents magazine, Invasive species, Green crabs