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Invasive Species

Invasive Species in Mississippi: Giant Salvinia, Giant Apple Snail, Water Hyacinth, Alligator Weed.
Photos of invasive aquatic species in Mississippi waters—giant salvinia, water hyacinth, alligator weed, and giant apple snail—threatening native habitats.

Non-native invasive species can harm Mississippi’s natural environments by outcompeting native animals and plants for food and space. Aquatic invasive plants can degrade water quality, reducing oxygen available to native aquatic species.

The impact to fishing and hunting can be substantial. Fish populations can be reduced by competition from non-native species and reduced water quality. Invasive aquatic plants can cover the water surface, making fishing impossible. Invasive animals have the potential to carry foreign diseases that could affect native animal populations.

You can help prevent the spread of non-native invasive plants and animals by:

  • Removing any aquatic plants from boat propellers, intakes, trailers and gear before leaving a launch area.
  • Never releasing plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water.
  • Eliminating water from equipment before transporting.
  • Blowing out jet-ski intakes and washing boats and equipment land side before traveling into a new waterway.

To learn more about invasive aquatic species and how to help prevent their spread, visit the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers website.

To report invasive species, call the MDMR at 228-374-5000, email, or report online.

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