Focus on Fish Gallery Guide Focus on Fish Final | Page 24

Native, Non-Native, and Invasive Species
NATIVE SPECIES
Michigan's native species are
organisms that have historically
occurred and evolved in Michigan
ecosystems. Some examples of native
species are the Lake Whitefish,
Walleye, and Lake Trout.
NON-NATIVE SPECIES
Non-native species have been
either intentionally or
accidentally introduced to
Michigan by humans or their
activities. Non-native species do
not cause major environmental
or economic harm. Non-native
species do not disrupt the
natural processes of our native
ecosystems. Some surprising
examples of non-native species in
our Great Lakes are the Salmon,
Brown trout, and Steelhead.
INVASIVE SPECIES
Invasive species are non-native
organisms that did not historically
occur in Michigan. When introduced
to Michigan ecosystems, they develop
abundant, widespread populations
that negatively impact the
environment, the economy, human
health, or the way we live. Some
examples of invasive organisms in our
Great Lakes are the Sea Lamprey and
Zebra Mussel.