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DETECTIVE THUMB-A-RIDE

THE ROAD TO INTENTIONAL INTRODUCTIONS IS PAVED WITH CONSEQUENCES -
DETECTIVE THUMB-A-RIDE

Level:  Super Sleuth

Detective Thumb-a-Ride is concerned that some non-native species are introduced into new habitats on purpose, with a little help from well-intentioned humans, without any thought to what might happen. The results can be disastrous. There are several examples of likely intentional introductions found among the Top 10 Atlantic Coast Suspects. Your job, as Super Sleuth, is to read the “rap sheets” of the Atlantic Ten, and determine which organisms may have been introduced as the result of intentional human actions.

After you have read up on your suspects, answer the following true/false questions.

1. The Asian shore crab arrived along the New Jersey coast as a result of an intentional introduction
by humans.

True

2. Northern snakehead fish are prized by some ethnic groups in the U.S. that like to eat these fish.


3. Sea squirts have been introduced to new ecosystems through hull fouling, ballast water, and in
shipments of shellfish.


4. Mute swans were introduced from Europe in the late 19th century as living decorations in parks
and estates in the eastern U.S.


False

5. Lionfish reached Atlantic Coast waters by swimming from the Pacific Ocean.


6. The veined rapa whelk was intentionally introduced to the Chesapeake Bay to get rid of
unwanted shellfish.



7. The water chestnut was brought to the U.S. by humans in the 1800s.


False

8. Northern snakehead fish can legally be introduced to any pond, lake, or river in all U.S. states.

True

9. There are options to consider before releasing unwanted aquatic pets into the wild.

True

10. The red algae, Grateloupia turuturu, was intentionally introduced into U.S. marine waters so it
can be grown and harvested commercially for its carageenan.


11. The intentional release of unwanted aquarium organisms has likely resulted in the introduction of at least two fish species along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.


12. Intentional introductions of aquatic organisms by humans may cause unforeseen problems.



Based on what you have learned about intentional introductions of non-native species, develop 4 - 6 questions to help people think about releasing live plants or animals into the wild decide whether their planned action might have unintended and harmful consequences. Frame them in a 'yes/no' format - such as Have you looked into ways to get rid of your unwanted plants or animals other than releasing them into the wild? Print out this form and complete it as a helpful reminder about the proper disposal methods.

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