The Florida Everglades are facing a new, silent threat that is jeopardizing their biodiversity: the Asian swamp eel. This invasive species has been colonizing canals, wetlands, and marshes since its arrival in the region, and scientists have been unable to fully contain it. The University of Florida has issued an urgent appeal to residents and visitors to help detect this elusive fish, whose impact is already being felt in crayfish and amphibian populations.
The call for volunteers is especially directed at those who live, work, or enjoy outdoor activities in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. Tourists, anglers, hikers, and nature lovers are now the researchers' "eyes on the ground," explained Frank J. Mazzotti, professor of wildlife ecology at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) in Fort Lauderdale.
A stealthy predator in the Florida wetlands
The Asian swamp eel, scientifically known as Monopterus albus or M. javanensis , is native to East and Southeast Asia and was first detected in the United States during the 1990s. However, its presence in the Everglades wasn't confirmed until 2007. Since then, it has established multiple populations in South Florida , and scientists warn that its expansion is disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem. "This species preys on and competes with local wildlife," said Mazzotti, who noted that there are already signs of decline in crayfish and amphibians in areas where the fish has established itself.
One of the biggest concerns is how these invasive species could interfere with Everglades restoration efforts. Improving water quality will be useless if biological invasions aren't controlled , the researcher emphasized. Therefore, experts stress the need to act as soon as possible to limit their spread.
The difficulty of detecting the Asian eel
The main problem scientists face is that this eel is extremely difficult to locate . Nocturnal in habit, it typically remains buried in the mud during the day, making it invisible to traditional sampling methods, such as daytime electrofishing. Furthermore, it is able to breathe air and survive in low oxygen levels , adapting to both wet and dry seasons by burrowing in the mud. Even the most modern environmental DNA techniques, which allow the species to be detected in water samples, fail to cover all the canals and wetlands of South Florida.
Given this situation, researchers believe that citizen collaboration can make all the difference. Previous experiences with other invasive species have shown that combining outreach campaigns, social media, and direct community participation allows for the collection of a wealth of data on the distribution of these animals. Reports from fishermen, hikers, and residents have been key to tracking invasive hotspots that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Citizen science as an ally
Now, that same approach is being applied to the Asian swamp eel. Anyone who spots an eel-like fish in canals, wetlands, or marshy areas is encouraged to take a photo with their cell phone and report it immediately. There are several ways to do so: by calling 1-888-IVEGOT1 (483-4681), visiting www.IVEGOT1.org, or using the IVEGOT1 mobile app. “People who live, work, and spend time outdoors in these areas are our best eyes on the ground,” Mazzotti emphasized. “Some of the most valuable observations come from those who know these waterways best.”
Each report helps scientists monitor the species' spread, prioritize response actions, and better understand its impact on South Florida's ecosystems. Early detection is crucial to preventing a major ecological disaster that could affect one of the world's most important wetlands. Researchers emphasize that discoveries happen not only in laboratories but also in gardens, along canal banks, and in the water itself. They conclude: every report counts, and the person who reports it may hold the key to halting the advance of this silent invader.