Exotics in the Chesapeake

In coastal regions around the country, scientists, resource managers and conservationists are looking more closely at the way species may be introduced from one ecosystem to another - often accidentally or without careful planning. In the Chesapeake Bay region, scientists from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and other research laboratories are examining how such species arrive in the estuary, whether or not they gain foothold, and how they might affect the Bay's ecology.

To help explain the issue of nonindigenous species - especially so-called "nuisance" species - the Maryland Sea Grant College and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, working in support from the Chesapeake Bay Program, have teamed up to produce a series of fact sheets entitled, "Exotics in the Chesapeake".

Exotic Species in the Chesapeake: An Introduction
Exotic Animals in the Chesapeake
Exotic Plants in the Chesapeake

Visit Exotics in the Chesapeake

Maryland Sea Grant has also produced a half-hour documentary on marine exotics, Alien Ocean, and two shorter videos on exotics in the Chesapeake Bay (Alien Estuary) and on cleaning boats to prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other unwanted pests (Alien Rivers).

Alien Ocean (30 minutes) $24.95
Alien Estuary (12 minutes) $7.50
Alien Rivers (9 minutes) $5.00

To receive copies of the fact sheets or to purchase a video, contact:
Maryland Sea Grant, Communications Department
University of Maryland
4321 Hartwick Road, Suite 300
College Park, MD  20740 301-403-4220
or visit Book Store & Videos

http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/Extension/msgsnn/msgsnn02_1/index.html