White perch is a fish that is native to Atlantic coastal regions and is invasive to the Great Lakes. It feeds on native species and is thought to be the cause of the decline of the Great Lakes walleye fish populations. What was most likely its mode of introduction?

White perch is native to the Atlantic coast, so it most likely reached the Great Lakes through human transportation between waterways. Ships can carry small fish or their eggs in ballast water or water tanks and release them at a new location. Produce, cargo crates, and airline luggage are much less likely ways for an aquatic fish to be introduced.

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