What impact do invasive species have on native aquatic ecosystems?

Invasive species can significantly disrupt native aquatic ecosystems primarily because they often outcompete native species for essential resources such as food, habitat, and nutrients. When invasive species are introduced to an ecosystem, they may thrive in the new environment due to a lack of natural predators or diseases that would typically control their population in their native habitat. This can lead to a decline in native species as they struggle to compete against the invasive species for the same resources. As a result, the overall balance of the ecosystem is affected, potentially leading to a decrease in biodiversity and altering the ecological dynamics of the environment. Instead of enhancing ecosystem health, invasive species can create a situation where native organisms are pushed out, thus reducing the richness of the ecosystem.