A blue catfish, invasive species
Blue Catfish - Invasive Species
Grade 3
The Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River are home to a variety of fish and aquatic species. These fish who normally live and have a habitat here are known as native species. However, a new species has arrived at the Potomac River and the Bay, known as the blue catfish. Its population has multiplied and is now causing problems for the Chesapeake Bay environment. In this lesson we will explore why this creature is creating so many issues for these aquatic ecosystems.
Teacher's Guide and Related Standards
I can explain why blue catfish are creating problems for the Chesapeake Bay and describe a solution to prevent them from continuing to grow and multiply.
- What are invasive species and why are they harmful to the environment?
- Why should we be concerned with invasive species in our watershed, the Chesapeake Bay?
Maryland Farm & Harvest Clip
- What makes blue catfish an invasive species to the Chesapeake Bay?
- What problems is the blue catfish causing for native species in the environment?
- What types of fish and species of the Chesapeake Bay are prey to blue catfish?
- What structures does the blue catfish have that allow it to be a top, apex predator?
- What solution has been made to help stop the growth of the blue catfish population in the Bay?
Vocabulary
Supplemental Enrichment Activities
Invasive Species: Finding Solution to Stop Their Spread
Read the article to learn more about other invasive species in the country, as well as the solutions and actions that are being taken to limit the spread and growth of these species.
Have students evaluate these solutions and create an argument about which are the most and least effective.
Invasive Species of the Chesapeake Bay
Explore and learn about other invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay:
- Mute swans
- Nutria
- Phragmites
- Purple loosestrife
- Water chestnuts
- Zebra mussels
Blue Catfish Map/Model
Review the map/model with students. Areas in yellow show where blue catfish are native and commonly found. Areas in red are where blue catfish are spreading. The blue catfish in these locations are being classified as invasive species.
Have students observe and analyze patterns about this map and make a prediction about the main areas where they think blue catfish will spread next.
Career Connections
