Non-native species are invading the Great Lakes of North America at a rate faster than any other freshwater ecosystem in the world.

The basin is threatened by invading foreign animal species despite stronger efforts and tougher laws. Scientists, however, are still wary as the Great Lakes can succumb to seven new invasive species that could invade the waters over the next 50 years.

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McGill University scientists reveal that one of these invasive species called the Dikerogammarus villous, or more notoriously known as "killer shrimp", will soon invade the Great Lakes. Even if these tiny shrimps are just an inch long, they have a tendency to kill massive numbers of prey and to devour them even if they're not hungry.

Some 180 non-native species were documented entering the Great Lakes in the past. Over 20 percent of these are considered threats that can potentially destroy the indigenous biodiversity, including the lake's multi-billion dollar fishing industries.

Efforts to keep invasive species at bay include tighter regulations and laws. For example, in 2006 and 2008, ships with saltwater in their ballasts were only given passage through the St. Lawrence Seaway. This means only saltwater ships are allowed to empty their ballasts into freshwater lakes since salt water species don't survive in fresh water.

There were no new species since 2006 thanks to this regulation that put a stop to ballast water caused invasions, according to lead author of the study, Katie Pagnucco. Relying on this regulation to keep out all harmful invasive species remains to be seen.

The team also estimates their worst case scenarios are ballast water regulation failures and the expanding live trade. Live trade can include the importation of live, foreign animals and plants for commercial food markets. This also includes fishing bait and aquarium pets, which are all unpredictable and unregulated.

Scientists predict these new invasive species from the Black Sea, Europe and Asia will enter via inland waterways. Researchers also include climate change as a major factor in the invasive species invasion as warmer waters can lead to the establishment of foreign species that are usually found in the south such as the Mississippi river basin.

This study was published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research.

TagsKiller Shrimp Invasion Threatens the Great Lakes, killer shrimp, the great lakes, killer shrimp invasive species invasion great lakes, US