Glossary of Invasive Species Terms

Commonly Used Phrases Related to Aquatic Nuisance Organisms

Sep 7, 2007 Alan Sorum

A glossary of commonly used terms and phrase related to invasive and aquatic nuisance species

Many terms and phrases are bandied about in discussion of aquatic invasive species. Boaters of all stripes have an interest in staying current on the subject, taking actions to prevent the spread of non-native species, and encourage fellow boaters to do the same. Many boaters spend much more time in the field observing the natural environment than scientific researchers. Being aware of potential harm caused by invasive species, knowledgeable boaters form a ready resource for early detection of problem organisms.

A

• Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) - An aquatic nonindigenous species that causes economic or environmental harm.

B

• Ballast Water - Water that is used to provide stability in large vessels that are not carrying cargo.
• Benthic - Items or subjects related the bottom of a water body.
• Bilge Water - Water contained within the hull of vessel. Usually refers to spaces used for machinery and propulsion.
• Bioaccumulate (Biological Accumulation) - Build up of toxins, contaminates or other harmful material in the tissue of an organism.
• Biocontrol (Biological Control) - Using one natural agent or organism to control the spread or growth of another organism. This can involve the introduction of natural predators or sterile males to reduce fertility.
• Biodiversity (Biological Diversity) - A description of the complexity, variety, and variation found in an ecosystem.
• Biota - Plants and animals found in a specific region or time period.
• Byssal Thread - Sticky threads or filaments used by mussels to attach themselves to substrates.

C

• Chemical Control - Using a chemical like a herbicide or pesticide to control an invasion species.
• Cryptogenic Species - An organism that is difficult to classify as being native or non-native.

E

• Ecosystem - The intertwined community of organisms that live with each other and interact with the surrounding environment.
• Endemic - A species restricted to one unique area due to external factors like topography, climate or habitat conditions. A organism endemic to a region would be a native species.
• Endangered Species - A species facing impending extinction.
• Exotic Species - A popular term used for introduced non-native species.
• Eutrophic - Rich in nutrients.

F

• Fauna - The animals found in a region or geological time period.
• Filter Feeders - Animals that pull water thru their gills to collect plankton and zooplankton for food. The zebra mussel is filter feeder.
• Flora - The plants and bacteria found in a region or geological time period.

H

• Habitat - A description of the conditions and location of where a plant or animal lives.

I

• Indigenous - A synonym for native or endemic species.
• Introduced Species - Organisms deliberately brought into a region were they do not historically occur.
• Invasive Species - A non-native species whose introduction causes economic and/or ecological harm to people or native species.
• IPM (Integrated Pest Management) - Using the best environmentally sound combination of cultural, biological, and chemical tools to provide long-term suppression of undesired organisms.

N

• Native Range - The physical habitat occupied by an organism.
• Native Species - A synonym for indigenous species.
• Naturalized Species - A non-native organism that is self-sustaining, but not considered harmful to native species.
• Nonindigenous Species - Term commonly used for non-native and introduced organisms.

O

• Oligotrophic - Nutrient poor

P

• Phytoplankton - Plant plankton

S

• Species - A group of organisms distinct from all other groups of organisms that are capable of reproduction and producing fertile offspring. This is the basic unit of plant and animal classification.

T

• Threatened Species - A species that appears likely to become an endangered species within the immediate future.

V

• Vector - The method or means by which an organism is transported into a new area. Organisms found in ballast water are an example.
• Veliger - Free swimming planktonic larva of mussels

W

• Weed - A plant that is in the wrong place at the wrong time and competes with desirable plants for food and water.

Z

• Zooplankton - Animal plankton

The copyright of the article Glossary of Invasive Species Terms in Boating & Sailing is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Glossary of Invasive Species Terms in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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