Summary Blog

     I was somewhat apprehensive about what to expect from starting a blog for the first

time. Blogging and responding to blogs are things that I had never done before. To be

honest, I was initially concerned about how well I could perform in this class.

      Through reading the blogs of other bloggers and the responses to their blogs, I have

become more comfortable in writing my own blogs. Learning to blog has been an exciting

experience for me. I’ve learned not to fear the unexpected and to just go for it.

      The advice I would give to others about starting a blog is that blogging is a rewarding

experience. There are endless subject matters in which to blog about. You can find

something that you feel passionate about and blog about it. Finding other like minded

bloggers in not only encouraging, but is a source of empowerment in bringing to light

important issues that affect this country and the entire world.

　

Emerald Ash Borer Beetle

      There is a beetle from Asia that is killing hardwood trees in Prince George‘s County Maryland. It is called the emerald ash borer and it came to this country over a decade ago by way of shipping crates from China. These beetles have killed over 30 million trees since their arrival in this country. “The beetles threaten not only to eradicate one of the most popular suburban shade trees in America, but also to harm water quality in rural streams, by removing trees that cool and filter waterways" (Pelton 1). 

 

Emerald Ash Borer Beetle

     Thousands of Chinese parasitic wasps have been released by the Maryland Department of agriculture in hopes of controlling the emerald ash borer. The parasitic wasps are known predators of the beetle. The idea of controlling invasive species is to find their natural predators in their native country to maintain control of them here.

 

Chinese Parasitic Wasp 

     But what concerns some biologists and environmentalists is that the use of biological controls can be ineffective and end up harming or eliminating native species. These controls sometimes results in predator species not attacking their intended targets and instead attacking other species. The concern in Maryland is that the Chinese parasitic wasps with eliminate the native jewel beetles instead of the emerald ash borer.

 

Jewel Beetle

     History shows us that predator species can be effective, but also tells us that these biological controls only succeeds 10% of the time. Therefore, great care must be taken when deciding what methods to use to control invasive species. The cure may be worst that the illness.

                                                             Cited Works

Pelton, Tom. Releasing Exotic Species to Fight Invasive Species: Gambling With Mother

     Nature? Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 26 July 2010. Web. 14 November 2012.

Potential Sources

My potential sources will most likely be the Chesapeake Bay Journal and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.  These two sources have have allowed me to find out about invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River, and other nearby waterways and tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay.  I will also look into other sources that can assist me in furthering my knowledge about non-native species that are invading the United States.

Th Chesapeak Bay Journal is a monthly publication and covers environmental issues that affect the Chesapeake Bay.  The Journal write articles and blogs concerning the plight of the Bay due to pollution and invasive species in the Bay.  The Chesapeake Bay Foundation educates the general public, school administrators, teaches, and students regarding the Chesapeake Bay.  They advocate on the behalf of the Bay by implementing solutions to improve the health of the Bay.  The Chesapeake Bay Foundation litigates non-compliance of the laws and regulations that affects the Bay and restores the Bay through water quality improvements and the help of volunteers to clean up the Bay. 

Purple Loosestrife

     The purple loosestrife is a non-native plant that is known for its invasion of wetlands.  "A beautiful flower but very aggressive invader, Purple Loosestrife is a perennial weed native to Europe and Asia that was introduced to the U.S. in the 1880s" (Fryberger 1).  This plant is prevalent throughout most of the United States.  "The purple loosestrife have gotten out of control in the continental US, and are taking over and choking out native species and altering the habitats" (Gaskins 1).

 

 

     

     Purple loosestrife poses a dangerous threat to wetlands because of its prolific ability to reproduce.  "The loosestrife have risen in both number and extent to which they alter the habitat they live in, and though it might seem that they would only impact other competing native plant species, they also have become enough of a problem where they also are hurting animal species, especially specialized wetland birds" (Gaskins 1).  It threatens native plant species by crowding them out and by competing for sunlight and water.  When purple loosestrife replace native plants, they destroy the habitats of animal and insects that depend on native species for food and shelter.  Animals such as duck, muskrat, and geese have seen a decline in their populations due to the proliferation of the purple loosestrife.  The denseness of this plant impedes water flow and requires costly management efforts.  Scientists have found a natural predator of the purple loosestrife to control its growth.  The Galerucella beetle feed on the leaf, bud, and stem of loosestrife plants and prevents the plant from reproducing.

 

 

     There is a segment of society that treasure purple loosestrife and do not want this plant to be eradicated because of what they perceive as the benefits that purple loosestrife provides.   Purple loosestrife contains astringent chemicals called tannins and salicarin.   Astringent chemicals may help reduce diarrhea and inflammation. Salicarin might also assist in fighting bacteria, or bugs, n the intestine.   Purple loosestrife are popularly used in ornamental decorations and in gardens.

  

 

      Though I support maintaining control of the spread of purple loosestrife, I do not support the elimination of this plant. I understand the concerns of those who are concerned about the negative effects this plant has on other species of plants and on animal habitat.   But I also understand the feelings of those who value what they consider are the benefits of purple loosestrife. This plant makes beautiful ornamental displays and decorations.  They add a unique flair to gardens with their wonderful purple color that accents any arrangement.  They also have what appears to be promising medicinal uses.  Purple loosestrife is an invasive species that does serve a useful purpose.

 

Works Cited

 

Gaskins, Lindsay.  Purple Loosestrife - Beautiful Killer. Duke University, 25 September

      2010. Web. 24 October 2012
         
Fryberger, Kevin.  A Beauty and a Beast.  Stewardship Chronicles, 15 August 2011.  Web.

     29 October 2012.

Mute Swans

      Mute swans are an invasive species that have been present in the Chesapeake Bay area since the 1930s. They are the largest birds that are inhabitants of this area. Mute swans have a lifespan of about 12 years and adult birds have a six feet wing span. They were imported from Eurasia to populate residential ponds and parks. Mute swans are year-round inhabitants in creeks, lakes, rivers inland ponds, and streams. Their population has increased 1,271percent since 1986. They feed throughout the year which does not allow for grass beds to recouperate. 

                                                                      Mute Swan

     Mute swans are a species that threatens waterfowl, crops, underwater grasses, and even humans. When these birds decimate available grasses, they move to feed on and damage agricultural crops. Mute swans are very aggressive and territorial. Their behavior even threatens human and displaces other birds. “Wildlife professionals have many critical and immediate problems to address, including habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, pollution, global climate change, energy development, emerging diseases, and human-wildlife conflict“ (Hutchins 2). 

                                                                   Mute Swans

      Conflicts and court battles with animal rights groups have made it difficult to reduce the population of mute swans. Though saving animal species from being uprooted and/or eliminated is a noble cause, some invasive species must be controlled for the betterment of native ecosystems. It is important that there are conservation methods that control non-native species to prevent the loss of habitat which adversely affects native species. “The consequences for inaction on selected introduced species will be the loss of more native species and alteration of habitats“ (Hutchins 2).

      The mute swan is a beautiful and attractive bird. People enjoy feeding them and these birds supplement their diet by receiving food from others. They give the public the opportunity to get up close to nature. But there is a down side to mute swans, which is an invasive species, inhabiting the areas of native species. Mute swans are ferocious eaters of grasses and crowd out other species by reducing the food supply of other birds including migratory birds. They are aggressive and they displace other bird species. Mute swans are known to be aggressive towards humans and there are two recorded incidences of them causing deaths of human beings. The negative effects mute swans have on the environment, other species, and the lives of humans warrant a concerted effort to control their numbers and prevent further destruction of the ecosystems in which they inhabit.

                                                                    Works Cited

Hutchins, Michael. Non-native Mute Swans Must Go. The Wildlife Society Blog, 14

      May 2009. Web. 17 October 2012.

　

　

 

 
　

　

　


　

Intersex Fish

      Biologists, over the past ten years, have been investigating fish kills in the Potomac River Basin . What the biologists found out was that male fish had female eggs in their testes. “For the past decade, they have worked to unravel the story of what’s causing “intersex” fish, a phenomenon that has turned up in 100 percent of smallmouth bass sampled in some areas of the Shenandoah and in 50 - 75 percent of those tested at a number of other sites in the Potomac basin” (Blankenship 1).

Smallmouth Bass

      Outside the watershed, in less polluted areas, intersex abnormalities are seen in no more than 10 - 15 percent of smallmouth bass. The presence of characteristics of both sexes in a single organism is called intersex. Vitellogenin, which is normally found in the blood of female fish, is a precursor of egg yolk and has also been found in male fish. Research has shown that discharges from wastewater treatment facilities are linked to intersex fish. “Meanwhile, the severity of the intersex abnormality - such as more eggs in a male fish’s testes - was generally higher in samples taken from areas with significant wastewater discharges, basins with large amounts of agricultural land and areas with high densities of agricultural animals or poultry houses” (Blankenship 1). Long term exposure to pollutants is what is seen to be the cause of the pronounced female characteristics found in male fish.

      “Intersex is caused by endocrine disruptors, which affect the hormone systems in fish, animals and humans. They are found in products intended to have biological effects, such as hormones or other feed supplements fed to livestock, or medicines taken by humans” (Blankenship 2). Although intersex characteristics have been found mainly in smallmouth and largemouth bass, it is occasionally found in other species. There are suspicions that chemicals are causing intersex and are resulting in the suppression of the immune systems of fish. This leads to fish kills due to fish being more susceptible to disease.

Largemouth Bass

      Though more research is needed to find the cause of intersex. I believe it is obvious that runoff from wastewater treatment plants and farm chemicals are causing intersex in fish. Fish with intersex characteristics are mainly found near wastewater facilities and near farming areas. Research should also delve into what can be done to decrease the exposure of chemicals to fish and other species.

Works Cited

Blankenship, Karl. Intersex fish linked to areas with high ag, wastewater runoff.

     Chesapeake Bay Journal, October 2012. Web, 10 October 2012.

Zebra Mussels

      The zebra mussels showed up in the summer of 2010 near Port Deposit, MD, a few miles from the mouth of the Susquehanna River. In the summer of 2011, someone found a single mussel nearby in the Sassafras River. It is believed that it is not the only mussel in the Sassafras River since for the last decade zebra mussels have been working themselves downstream. “Biologists in the Bay region have long been concerned about the arrival of the species, a native of the Caspian Sea, because of its ability to mushroom into huge populations, crowd out native mussel species and alter ecosystems"  (Blankenship 1).

      Because zebra mussels are a fresh water species, biologists believe that it is unlikely that they will gain a foothold in the Chesapeake Bay. But since these mussels can attach themselves to the bottom of boats, to motors, and trailers, they can be transported to waterways such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs where they can thrive. In regards to mussels spreading in the Bay, biologists are concerned about the high river flows in the spring and summer reducing the salinity of the Bay which can result in the zebra mussels gaining strength there.

      “Named for the striped pattern of their shells, zebra mussels are thought to have arrived in the Great Lakes in 1988 in the ballast water holds of ships from Europe" (Blankenship 2). Their dense colonies can block water intake pipes and cause major problems for industrial and municipal water uses. Zebra mussels have been blamed for causing billions of dollars in damages nationwide.

      In 1991, these mussels arrived in the tidal basin of the Hudson River. One zebra mussel, while feeding on algae, can filter as much as a gallon of water per day. Their filtering can reduce the populations of some algae species and promote the increase of other algae species. They have caused the reduction in dissolved oxygen levels in the water faster than the oxygen levels could be replaced. Zebra mussels in some places, due to there large populations, have reduced the supply of food for fish causing a fall in the fish population. Native mussel populations have nearly been wiped out in some areas because of competition with zebra mussels.

      Fortunately for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, zebra mussels are not widespread. But it is important that users of these waterways are educated about prevention measures to make sure that they do not unintentionally transport mussels from place to place.

      This story points out how zebra mussels can easily be transported from one waterway to another. They then can be transported by unsuspecting boaters and fishermen who may not know what to look for or the dangers that invasive species can present. That’s why it is important that there are regular educational programs directed to the public, especially to those who boat and fish in areas where invasive species are present or may be gaining a foothold. Only then we all can be knowledgeable about the impact that invasive species can have on the ecosystem.

                                                          Works Cited

Blankenship, Karl. Zebra Mussels slowly spreading into Chesapeake Tributaries.

      Chesapeake Bay Journal, December 2011. Web. 3 October 2012.

Phragmites - An Invasive Species of Grass

      Phragmites is an invasive species of grass that can grow up to 18 feet tall. It was introduced to North America from the ballast of ships by English colonists. While phragmites can be bad for wildlife and other plant species, it prevents erosion in marsh lands where they exist because it holds and builds soil. “Over the last three decades, the invasive plant has multiplied perhaps 10 fold to cover roughly 100,000 acres or about 10 percent of Maryland marshes, according to an estimate by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources” (Pelton 2). Phragmites have also spread across other states such as Virginia and Pennsylvania.

      It is known as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by scientists because of its good and bad qualities. Though phragmites protect shorelines, scientists would prefer the prevalence of native grasses in the marshes. The reason is that phragmites are a poor habitat for fish, birds, and animals. Also, a toxin is emitted from its roots that kills and crowds out other grasses that are the habitat for wildfowl and other animals. “ 

 

     "The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, with help from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, spends about $30,000 a year spraying an herbicide (glyphosate, the active ingredient in Round Up) from helicopters onto selected stands of phragmites that are monopolizing the landscape in important wildlife areas" (Pelton 2).  Glyphosate is also used by other states to control phragmites.  The problem with using glyphosate is that planes are used to spray the phragmites and there is a danger that the chemical could drift to other areas and wipe out endangered plants.  Also, spraying glyphosate is making farming more difficult because it is creating weeds that are herbicide-resistant.

 

     The prevalence of phragmites in Virginia has sufficiently been controlled through programs to prevent and reduce their spread. Though phragmites are good at preventing erosion, there are native grasses that can do as good a job. Native grasses that have been displaced by phragmites are better at providing habitat for animals and birds that live in the marshes. The control of phramites is also good for the environment in that less glyphosate will be sprayed and thus other grasses will not be killed and less farmers will have to deal with herbicide-resistant weeds.

                                                         
                                                            Works Cited

Pelton, Tom. The Jekyll and Hyde of the Marsh. Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 27

      September 2012. Web. 3 October 2012.

Blue Catfish Invades Potomac

      In the 1970s, Blue catfish, who are a native species of the Mississippi River Valley, were introduced to the Rappahannock and James Rivers. Subsequently, the Blue catfish, along with the Flathead catfish which is another invasive species, have turned up in the Susquehanna, Northeast, and Nanticoke Rivers, Upper Chesapeake Bay and other waters.

      “Blue and Flathead catfish are invasive, non-native species that are long-lived, fast growing and opportunistic feeders. Consequently, State and Federal fisheries managers are concerned about their affect on the ecosystem, and are working together to develop strategies to mitigate their impact” (Davidsburg 1). 

                                                                     Blue Catfish
                                         
               
      These fish are top predators and are believed to be a serious threat to native species such as the white catfish, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and freshwater mussels. The native species provide great economic and ecological benefits to the region which can be negatively affected by Blue and Flathead catfish.

                                                                   Flathead Catfish　

　

      “The Chesapeake Bay Program’s Sustainable Fisheries Goal Team, which includes representatives from Virginia, Maryland, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission, District of Columbia, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, recently adopted a Chesapeake Bay blue and flathead catfish policy to reduce these catfish populations and to stem their spread” (Davidsburg 2). The aim is to prevent these fish from entering other tributaries. It is already illegal for anyone to introduce live Blue and Flathead catfish into waterways.

          The Blue catfish were brought here to stock lakes and rivers for sports fishing.  In the Rappahannock and James River they are tbeginning to take over.  Blue catfish can grow up to 80 pounds and have huge appetites.  They eat large sums of other fish, worms, and crabs.  Blue catfish crowd out native species such as the channel catfish and white catfish.  They have wrecked havoc on Virginia's program to restore the fish such as the menhaden, American shad, and the blue crab.  It may take many years to find out whether this invasive species is having a significantly adverse affect on the ecosystem, but it is obvious that the Blue catfish is presently having a negative affect on native species of fish in Virginia.

Works Cited

Davidsburg, Josh. Angler Catches State Record Blue Catfish in the Potomac River.

      Maryland Department of Natural Resources, 12 March 2012. Web. 26 September

      2012.

　

　

Snakeheads in the Potomac

     Snakeheads are native to Russia, China, and Korea. The northern snakeheads can grow to over 40 inches in length and nearly 20 pounds in weight. These fish are also known by the name of “Frankenfish” because of their voracious appetite and large teeth. They have the ability to live for short periods of time out of water which allow them to move to other waterways that may be nearby.

                                                                    
                                                                       Snakehead

“Fisherman have caught them in tributaries north and south of the Potomac. Snakeheads -named for the snakelike pattern on their skin - first showed up in a pond in Crofton, Md., in 2002. Two years later, in May 2004, one was caught by an angler in Little Hunting Creek in Fairfax County” (Gross 1).

　

 
                                                          Snakehead “aka” Frankenfish

      Snakeheads are believed to be freshwater fish, but they appear to be not be as susceptible to salinity issues as first thought. Researchers are now expecting them to eventually make it to the mouth of the Rappahannock River.

      These fish have grown in population north of the Potomac every year since 2004, except for a leveling off in 2011. This year, 2012, will show whether the static numbers in 2011 is a trend or an anomaly. Maryland has encouraged fishermen to assist in limiting the population by allowing fishermen to sell Snakeheads. These fish have been found in Maryland in the Patuxent River and south of Annapolis in the Rhode River. There is now a niche market for Snakehead which is a white, mild, flaky fish. There is also The Potomac Snakehead fishing tournament that yields over 1000 pounds of the fish.
      The Snakehead is an invasive species because they are not native to this country.  They are originally from Asia.  They came to the U.S. as a food source sold at fish markets and as pets kept in aquariums.  The Snakehead are voracious eaters and 90% of their diet consist of eating other fish.  They are predators and crowd out native species of fish.  Though the Snakehead has not yet had the devastating affect on the ecosystem of the Potomac River as first feared, there is still a lot that is unknown about them. In the Potomac River, the population of Snakehead has not been accurately recorded. Until the true effects of the Snakehead are known, ways to reduce the numbers of Snakeheads in rivers and tributaries must be explored.  

Works Cited

Gross, Edie. Snakehead Fish, at Home in the Potomac River, Could Swim South to

      Rappahannock Waters. The Free Lance Star, 16 June 2012. Web. 26 September

      2012.

　



　

Two Potential Sources

     The two sources I'm considering using at this time for my final analysis paper are the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and The Nature Conservancy.

     These sources appear to have ample sources and resources that I can use to blog on many different topics.  These sources are basic websites that encompasses blogs, articles, and links to other sites.  Some of the bloggers I've found on the subject of environmental issues and invasive species are Tom Pelton, Karl Blankenship, and Michael Hutchins.  These bloggers are a good source of information because they knowledgeable about eco-systems and have written numerous articles on environmental matters.

Invasive Parasite in Chesapeake Bay

     There are parasites in the Chesapeake Bay that affects male mud crabs by transforming them to look like female crabs. The parasite hijacks the male crabs' reproductive systems and makes them reproduce the parasites.

     “Scientists at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center discovered that many mud crabs are infected with an invasive species of parasitic barnacle called Loxothylacus panopaei that are multiplying through this gender-twisting, reproductive system take-over, said Dr. Amy Fowler, a researcher at the Smithsonian“ (Pelton 1).

     The parasites are originally from the Gulf of Mexico and are believed to have made its way into the Chesapeake Bay in the 1960s through the oyster trade. The parasites were stirred up from the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico while the oysters were being harvested.

     The female parasite can smell crabs while swimming through waters. They then attach themselves to crabs, male and female crabs alike, and make their way to the crabs reproductive system.

Works Cited

Pelton, Tom. Parasites Hijack Sexual Functions of Crabs. Chesapeake Bay Foundaton,

      29 August 2012. Web. 19 September 2012.

No Farming in U.S. Waters

     The tiger shrimp is probably more prevalent in U.S. waters than what it actually
appears to be. Its population could be in higher numbers in U.S. waters had the farming
of tiger shrimp in America not ended in 2004.
      The reason why tiger shrimp were farmed in the U.S. at all was the attempt by
fishermen in inter-coastal states to tap into the huge world wide market for these shrimp.
“Tiger shrimp is one of the most widely farmed species of shrimp in the world, according
to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Over 770,000 metric tons of
tiger shrimp was produced in 2009, the last year data is available for, with a total value of over
$3.5 billion“ (Khan 3).
      We have to be careful regarding any push to restart farming of tiger shrimp within
the U.S. There may be those who claim that there are new farming techniques and
safeguards that will prevent future escapes when we know there is no way to guarantee
such a thing.
                                                                Works Cited

Khan, Amir.  Cannibal Shrimp Invading U.S. Waters.  IB Times, 30 April 2012.  Web. 12 September

       2012.

 

Tasty, But at What Cost

     There has been some talk about what could be the benefits of having tiger shrimp in U.S. waters. The belief is that tiger shrimp is an invasive species that may be controlled by eating them. “The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries had advised fisherman that the prawns should not be thrown back into any waters other than a boiling pot” (Wall 2).
      The tiger shrimp commands a higher price due to its sheer size and weigh. Some
people see this as a means of vastly increasing the income of fisherman. “But Leslie
Hartman, of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is skeptical the economic value will
outweigh the damage to the native shrimp population” (Wall 2).
      Until the tiger shrimp is further studied, it is prudent to be careful and concerned about
the effects they can have by invading U.S. waters.

                                                                Works Cited

Wall, Tim.  Invasive, Tasty Tiger Prawns Prowl Gulf Waters.  News Discovery, 29 December 2011.

       Web. 12 September 2012.

      





     

　

Invasion

     The Asian tiger shrimp has black and white stripes on its back and on its tail. They are larger, more aggressive, and eat more than the native shrimp population. The Asian tiger shrimp eats smaller shrimp and produces more eggs than Gulf shrimp. "Tiger shrimp can produce about 1.5 million eggs in a spawning season versus approximately 500,000 eggs that is typical of their Gulf cousins" (Stallings 1).
      The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is in the process of doing research to evaluate the biology of the tiger shrimp to determine the effects that the tiger shrimp has on the marine ecosystems. The concern is that non-native species have the possibility of spreading parasites and new diseases. Native shrimp population could be completely wiped out by viruses. Naturally, the native shrimp and the Asian tiger shrimp will compete for survival. The tiger shrimp has the upper hand under these circumstances because of its spawning rate and its ferocious appetite. Particularly, since the tiger shrimp also eats the native shrimp.
      “Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are working with state agencies from North Carolina to Texas to look into how this transplanted species from Indo-Pacific, Asian and Australian waters reached U.S. waters, and what the increase in sightings means for native species” (Werner 1).
      The Asian tiger shrimp has not been deemed in U.S. waters as an established species by scientists.  An established species is regarded as a natvie species.  The USGS and NOAA are collecting and examining these shrimp and are looking at the DNA of the various tiger shrimps that have been caught to determine their origins.
      “The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth: minimize loss of life and properly from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life“ (Werner 2). The mission of the NOAA is to understand, examine, and predict changes in the Earth’s environment. The NOAA is important in protecting, managing, preserving, and restoring, if at all possible, marine and coastal resources.
      The Asian tiger shrimp is edible which gives hope to some fisherman that they can become a lucrative market because of their enormous size as compared to native shrimp. But other fisherman are concerned about the unknown consequences that the tiger shrimp could have on the ecosystem in ways such as the transmission of disease and the crowding out of the native shrimp. Though the tiger shrimp has yet to get a foothold in the Gulf, the time is now to do research on this species and its behaviors to be proactive rather than waiting until it is too late.

Work Cited

Stallings, Penny. Invasion of the Giant Cannibal Shrimp. Ecology Global Network, 14

      Jun. 2012. Web. 5 September 2012.

Werner, Ryan. Rise in Asian Tiger Shrimp sightings prompts scientific look at invasion

      concerns. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 26 Apr. 2012. Web.

      September 2012.

History

     The Asian tiger shrimp were once farmed in the United States. It was reported that hundreds of
them were caught in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina when in 1988a storm hit a farm in South
Carolina. None were reportedly seen since then until 2006. The last tiger shrimp farm, which was
located in Florida, closed in 2004. In 2006,six were reportedly found and that number increased to
331 in 2011. There are probably many times the number found in 2011 since many fisherman do
not make reports concerning the tiger shrimp they catch.
     The main concern about the Asian tiger shrimp is that they may eventually decimate the native shrimp population through disease and the fact that they eat small shrimp. The tiger shrimp can get
 as large as 13 inches long a weigh 1/4 of a pound. 
     There have been claims by some fisherman that they have caught tiger shrimp that are close to
1 pound in weight. It is unknown where these tiger shrimp are originating from. Asian tiger shrimp are farmed in Africa and the Caribbean and one plausible explanation is that the tiger shrimp are being swept to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Coast from the Caribbean due to storms. Scientists are presently studying the DNA of the tiger shrimp to try and find out where they are coming from and their effects on native shrimp.
          
                                                              Work Cited

McConnaughey, Janet. Asian Tiger Shrimp Found on U.S. Coast and Gulf of Mexico, Worries

      Scientist. Huffington Post, 27 Apr. 2012. Web. 29 August 2012.

Introduction

     I chose this topic because I’m concerned the invasion of the Asian Tiger Shrimp on the native
shrimp population in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic Coast. Originally, I’m from New
Orleans, Louisiana and an avid seafood lover, especially shrimp. This topic is important because
the Asian tiger shrimp can have unknown and devastating consequences to the native shrimp
population.  My concern is that the tiger shrimp may have a devastating effect on the eco-system
and substantially reduce the native shrimp population in years to come.