Common Nuisance Species
Introducing non-native species into California waters not only upsets the balance of the ecosystem, thereby harming the environment, but it is also against the law. Aquatic nuisance species, such as zebra mussels, quagga mussels, Egeria densa, water hyacinth, and hydrilla, most often spread between waterways by hitching a ride on vessels and trailers. When transplanted into new waters, these organisms proliferate, displacing native species and damaging the water resource.