Lake Erie has been most affected by invasive species, particularly the zebra mussel.

Since its emergence in the 1980s, the invasive Eastern European zebra mussel has had a major negative impact on Lake Erie. Numerous ecological and financial problems have arisen as a result of these mussels' quick expansion around the lake. Large volumes of water are filtered by them, making the water clearer, but they also upset the food chain by reducing the number of plankton, which is a vital source of food for local fish. Zebra mussels are a serious environmental problem in Lake Erie since they have also damaged boats, water intake pipelines, and other infrastructure.