Invasive Species

What are Invasive Species?

To be considered invasive, a species must be:

  1. Non-native to New Brunswick

  2. Able to spread or reproduce rapidly

  3. Harmful to the environment, humans, or society

Not all introduced species are considered invasive (think: dandelions), and neither are all harmful species (think: poison ivy). It is the combination of these qualities, along with the ability to multiply and spread rapidly, that earns invasive species this undesirable title.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ for invasive species; they are present in all different types of ecosystems- both aquatic and terrestrial- and come in many forms, including:

  • Plants

  • Insects

  • Fish

  • Mammals & Birds

  • Aquatic Invertebrates

  • Fungi

  • Pathogens like bacteria & viruses

Invasive Species in New Brunswick

Here are some of the invasive species we are particularly concerned about in New Brunswick. Some are already present in the province while others have not been observed here yet but are in surrounding jurisdictions and would pose a significant threat if they arrived. For a more comprehensive list, see our ‘Invasive Species Profiles’ page here.

  • Zebra & Quagga Mussels

  • Marbled Crayfish *Watch List Species*

  • Eurasian Watermilfoil

  • Chain Pickerel

  • Emerald Ash Borer

  • Goldfish

  • Hemlock Wooly Adelgid *Watch List Species*

  • Spotted Lanternfly *Watch List Species*

  • Woodland Angelica

  • Brown Goby *Watch List Species*