Did You Know? Behind habitat loss the  Number 1 reason for threatened and endangered species is Invasive Species......................
Non-native invasive species cost the economy of the United States an estimated $137 billion annually in lost production and control costs (Pimentel et al., 2000).  In the absence of native predators and diseases, nonindigenous organisms may develop very large populations that create severe ecological and economic problems. When such invasions occur in our lakes and rivers they can disrupt whole aquatic ecosystems and impair important municipal, industrial, agricultural, and recreational uses of our waterways. Exotic plant and animal species that threaten the diversity and use of our waters are typically termed Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). Estuarine and marine environments are also impacted by aquatic nuisance species; however, the focus of this section is on freshwater species. In South Carolina, the principal focus of managing ANS has been directed at nuisance aquatic plants, exotic mussels, and exotic fishes. Historically, non-native species have been introduced to South Carolina through direct stocking, aquascaping, shipping, aquarium releases and bait releases. Some species also “hitchhike” on boats, motors and trailers. South Carolina spends several hundred thousand dollars per year managing invasive aquatic vegetation threats alone, while the state of Florida spends more than $20 million. In 1991, an invasion of the aquatic weed hydrilla shut down the St. Stephen hydroelectric plant on Lake Moultrie for weeks, costing $4 million in lost productivity and $526,000 worth of gamefish deaths.