Free Republic

Water hyacinth in Africa, Zebra mussels in Lake Erie, Estuary of the San Francisco Bay For a long time, veteran environmental journalist Fred Pearce thought in stark terms about invasive species: they were evil interlopers spoiling pristine ‘natural’ ecosystems. Most conservationists and environmentalists share this view. But what if the traditional view of ecology is wrong—what if true environmentalists should be applauding the invaders? Fred Pearce acknowledges that there are horror stories about alien species disrupting ecosystems but most of the time the tens of thousands of introduced species usually swiftly die out or settle down and become model eco-citizens....

State wildlife officials say a destructive species known as the zebra mussel has been discovered in California for the first time. Department of Fish and Game spokeswoman Alexia Retallack says a fisherman found the mollusks while fishing in the San Justo Reservoir in San Benito County. Lab tests conducted Monday confirmed that the creatures were zebra mussels, which are known to clog water pipes and boat engines and alter the chemistry of marine ecosystems. State officials plan to conduct further surveys to determine the extent of the infestation and develop a plan to stop its spread. They're asking fishermen and...