Wetlands are the U.S. coastal ecosystems most impacted by invasive species, which disrupt native biodiversity and ecosystem functions.

Wetlands are highly susceptible to invasive species, such as the purple loosestrife, Phragmites australis (common reed), and nutria. These non-native species outcompete native plants and animals, altering the structure and function of the ecosystem. For example, invasive plants can overtake native vegetation, reducing habitat diversity, while animals like nutria destroy wetland vegetation by overgrazing. Such disruptions lead to soil erosion, water quality issues, and a decline in native wildlife populations. Wetlands' critical role in filtering water, preventing floods, and supporting biodiversity makes addressing invasive species a top conservation priority in these ecosystems.