Aquatic invasive species threaten native ecosystems of the Mid Atlantic region. Throughout the Mid Atlantic, species such as northern snakeheads, blue catfish, green crabs, mitten crabs, zebra mussels, and rusty crayfish have taken hold.
In some cases, aquatic invasive species are known to have negative impacts on native fish and other wildlife. In addition to invasive fish and invertebrates, native fish are threatened by micro-organisms such as didymo and whirling disease.