Aquatic Invasive Animals

Although aquatic invasive animals are often harder to find than large invasive plant populations, invasive animals can have devastating effects on freshwater ecosystems. Most invasive animals are small and larvae or adults can be transported in bilge water, bait buckets or attached to boats. Others are used as live bait, and extras are discarded into the water. Some were even intentionally stocked. Regardless of the means of introduction, the spread of invasive animals constitutes a serious threat facing our rivers and lakes.

Impacts

Ecological

• cause local extinctions of native species through competition or predation
• degrade or destroy habitat that supports native fish and wildlife
• significantly alter aquatic food webs
• degrade water quality

Recreational

• reduce numbers of sport fish, either by destroying suitable habitat, competing for food or by eating them
• shellfish foul boats and motors

Economic

• damage to infrastructure
• substantial costs to manage once introduced

Which aquatic invasive animals are in RI?

⚠️ Invasive Species Alert

A Northern Snakehead, an extremely invasive freshwater fish species, was caught in Asa Pond, South Kingstown, in early summer 2026.  It’s currently unknown how the snakehead ended up in Asa Pond. Anglers should be on the lookout in the Tri-Pond Park area as Asa Pond is connected by streams to Rocky Brook Reservoir and California Jim’s Pond.

Named for their snake-like appearance and native to Asia, they were first discovered in Maryland in 2002 and have established themselves in the Chesapeake Bay as well as the Delaware and Hudson River drainages. An adept predator, snakeheads represent a risk to Rhode Island’s native freshwater fish. They can survive out of water for multiple hours due to a primitive lung and can travel to other bodies of water. Transporting or releasing live snakeheads in RI is prohibited.

If additional snakeheads are caught in RI waters, anglers should humanely kill them and immediately contact DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife at DEM.DFW@dem.ri.gov or 401-789-0281 to pick up the fish. DO NOT return caught snakeheads to the water. Anglers should take care when handling snakeheads, as they can bite.

Thank you for your help protecting RI’s freshwater ecosystems.

Stop the Spread!

• Inspect and clean. Examine your boat and trailer before and after any use. Carefully remove any mud, plant or animal material before transporting your boat, recreational equipment, fishing gear or equipment.
• Allow time to dry. Clean and dry anything that came in contact with the water (boat, trailers, recreational equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.)
• Isolate and drain. Empty water from boat wells and motors far away from lakes and rivers.
• Discard into trash. Dispose any unused bait into proper garbage receptacles; do not empty bait buckets into the water.
• Prevent releases. Avoid disposing plants, fish or animals from aquariums or water gardens into local water bodies.