Northern Pike:

Northern Pike have been confirmed in at least seven Anchorage-area lakes and have been reported in Campbell Creek.  Pike are an invasive species in Southcentral Alaska. Pike occur naturally in other parts of Alaska where, over thousands of years, a balance has been established and Pike coexist well with other native species.  When suddenly introduced to a region where they do not naturally occur, as in Anchorage, they pose a threat to native fish species. 

Pike are a major reason for concern in Anchorage because they rapidly consume juvenile salmon, Rainbow Trout, and just about anything else they can get their toothy mouths around.  In addition to threatening native fish populations they also pose a serious threat to hatchery stocked fish - potentially impacting fishing opportunities in Anchorage.  In order to reduce Pike numbers in Southcentral Alaska, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game encourages anglers to fish for Pike. There are no limits on catching Pike and the open-season is year-round. Anglers are asked to keep all the Pike caught and report catches to ADF&G. 

Atlantic Salmon:

Farmed Atlantic salmon have escaped from commercial pens and they can mix with wild Pacific salmon. They pose a threat to wild salmon through competition for food and habitat.  They also can carry diseases to wild salmon. 

Identifying Atlantic salmon:

What to do if you catch an Atlantic salmon:

1. Do not release it!
2. Note the location and date
3. Save and freeze the whole carcass (if you eat the fish, save the head and guts)
4. Call the Atlantic Salmon Watch Program toll free 1-877-INVASIV (468-2743)

Plants:

Non-native invasive plants displace native vegetation, degrade fish and wildlife habitat, and negatively affect the environment.  There are a number of possible ways invasive plants have been introduced to Alaska including traveling in root balls of nursery stock, in animal feed, tires, recreational equipment, or as components of wildflower seed mixes. 

Factors such as geographic isolation and harsh winters have protected Alaska from large-scale invasive plant infestations in the past.  Recently, however, some of the most harmful and noxious weeds of the lower 48 states have begun to grow and spread locally.  Alaskans have the chance to prevent invasive plant infestations before they become so widespread that control is costly and eradication impossible. 

Keeping invasive plant species from becoming established in Alaska is the highest priority.  Identification and removal of invasive plant infestations while they are still small is the easiest form of prevention.

A note on Purple Loosestrife:

Purple loosestrife is an invasive plant recently found along Chester Creek in Anchorage. The plants were quickly removed and the area is being monitored. 

Purple loosestrife has caused many problems in wetland areas all over North America.  It drives out native plants and clog wetlands - causing blockages to fish passage and hindering access to streambanks for recreation. Purple loosestrife could threaten the many wetland areas of Southcentral Alaska if it is not controlled.  The plants resemble fireweed and are thought to have spread from plantings done by local gardeners.

For more information on identifying non-native invasive plant species please visit: Selected Invasive Plants of Alaska - A Pocket Guide  or contact your local cooperative extension service.