Invasive Species

What is an invasive species?

Invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, the economy or to human health.

Invasive species come from all around the world and can be introduced to our local ecosystems in many ways.

Why are invasive species a threat?

Invasive plants have damaged Long Island’s unique habitats by replacing native flora, and in turn, negatively impacting wildlife and natural ecosystem processes. Invasive species are among the top causes of biodiversity loss across the globe.

Invasive species contribute to:

• Habitat degradation and loss
• The loss of native plants, fish, and wildlife
• The loss of recreational opportunities and income
• Crop damage and diseases in humans and livestock

Click here for the latest Long Island Invasive Species Alerts

Related Content

• Peconic-Friendly Boating
  Information about low-impact boating and pump-out stations to protect the Peconic.
• Habitat Loss and Degradation
  Increasing development pressure and human activities have negatively impacted the natural habitats and the diversity of life in the Peconic Estuary.

More Resources

• Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LISSMA)
  LIISMA's goal is to conserve biodiversity, wildlife habitat, recreation resources, scenic quality, and crop production, while protecting human health and safety, by facilitating cooperation and coordination among land owners and managers to reduce the threat of human-introduced invasive species. LIISMA also works to reduce the costs of invasive species management by preventing and eradicating new invasive species infestations before they become established.
• Common Aquatic Invasive Species of NY
• A list of NY's Nuisance and Invasive Species