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Scientists identify top 10 most invasive species in Great Lakes

Zebra mussels came in first place as the Great Lakes' most harmful invasive species in a recent analysis. Researchers hope the top 10 list can help educators better prioritize how to teach about invasives. (Photo: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
Zebra mussels came in first place as the Great Lakes' most harmful invasive species in a recent analysis. Researchers hope the top 10 list can help educators better prioritize how to teach about invasives. (Photo: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

The Great Lakes has its fair share of aquatic invaders. Sea lamprey, zebra mussels and round gobies are some of the region's most famous intruders.

But there are nearly 200 non-native species in the Great Lakes — and those are just the ones we know about.

It can be hard to wrap your head around a list that long, so a recent study set out to identify the top 10 most invasive species.

Researchers at Michigan Sea Grant, NOAA and state agencies wanted to figure out a couple things: Which species cause the most harm? And are there any underlying trends that could help predict what species will be the next super invader?

Find out by listening to the story in the audio player above.

Ellie Katz joined IPR in June 2023. She reports on science, conservation and the environment.