Invasive spiny water fleas have been present in some northern Minnesota waters since 2006, but scientists have yet to see negative impacts from the plankton of European origin, Minnesota Public Radio reported recently HERE.
Studies on Lake of the Woods, where the species is know to exist, have not found spiny water flea populations growing more abundant. Experts feared the species, which offers little nutritional value to fish consuming it, might have a harmful effect on game fish populations in the lake.
One reason the invasive is being kept in check may be the presence of large numbers of tullibees in Lake of the Woods. Tullibees feed on a large number of plankton species.
The Minnesota DNR has an information page on spiny water fleas HERE.