Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally, and a high or medium climate match to the contiguous United States.

Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) is a predatory fish native to large areas of eastern North America. It is one of the most popular sport fish and has been transported around the world to increase recreational fishing opportunities. There are multiple recorded diseases of M. salmoides, including four OIE-reportable diseases. The history of invasiveness is high. There is a long record of nonnative introductions that have resulted in established populations. Negative impacts of introduction have been documented in many countries. Impacts of introduction include alteration of macroinvertebrate communities, co-introduction of new parasites, and reduction and extirpation of native species. The climate match was very high; M. salmoides has established populations in all of the contiguous 48 states. The certainty of assessment is high. The overall risk assessment category is high.