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Home Volume 20 Number 2 Aquatic Invaders of the Chesapeake

July 2021 · Volume 20 Number 2

Aquatic Invaders of the Chesapeake

Solving a Problem Like Nutria

By Phillip Hesser and Rona Kobell
In 1938, government officials on the Eastern Shore introduced nutria—buck-toothed, rat-tailed aquatic mammals—into the marshes. They thought the animals would help fur trappers. Instead, they destroyed marsh plants that are crucial habitat for waterfowl and crabs, as well as a bulwark against rising waters. But by 2014, the nutria were largely gone from the Shore counties that recorded large populations. How’d they do it? Discipline, determination–and some very good dogs. Maryland’s efforts were so successful that Virginia now wants to employ the same techniques to quash the spread of its nutria population.

Snails, Whelks, and Snakeheads

A regional panel helps protect Mid-Atlantic waterways.

By Rona Kobell
A panel representing scientists and managers from seven states has been meeting for nearly two decades to discuss prevention strategies and fund regional research on problematic invasive species. The Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species, which Maryland Sea Grant has supported since its founding in 2003, has supported research on everything from invasive snails to a symposium to discuss the northern snakehead.

Pulling the Mussels

Resource managers have ejected an invasive species—for now.

By Wendy Mitman Clarke
In 2019, Carroll County officials sought to rid Hyde’s Quarry of invasive Dreissena mussels that had colonized the popular recreational diving destination and potential public water source. Treating the quarry with potassium chloride, they successfully eradicated the mussels—but what does success really mean with invasive species?

Meet the Extension Specialist

Jackie Takacs

Meet Maryland Sea Grant Extension Specialist and Extension faculty Jackie Takacs, who’s focused on water quality and education for almost 25 years.