Illegal species spotted in South Carolina lake sparks concerns of an invasion
An illegal plant species has been spotted in a large South Carolina lake, sparking concerns about a potential invasion.
There have been sightings of the invasive giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) plant in Lake Wateree, according to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
Giant salvinia is an invasive floating fern originating from Brazil, the department said Wednesday in a news release. The invasive plant species was introduced to the U.S. in the 1990s as part of horticultural trade, the USDA said.
Giant salvinia was first identified at Lake Wateree on Oct. 6, according to the SCDES release.
Because of its destructive impact on aquatic ecosystems and interference with boating, fishing and recreation, giant salvinia is prohibited in the U.S. by federal law, SCDES said.
South Carolina waterways are susceptible to invasion by this plant, environmental officials said.
Giant salvinia can double its coverage in less than a week, forming dense mats that outgrow and replace the native plants that provide food and habitat for animals and waterfowl, according to the release. Those giant salvinia mats can create navigation issues for boaters and cause problems with water quality, officials said.
Those mats can also block sunlight and lower oxygen levels, according to the USDA.
That could have a serious effect on Lake Wateree, which is located in Richland, Fairfield and Kershaw counties, the environmental department said. Lake Wateree is a 13,700-acre body of water that’s 30 miles northeast of Columbia, and is among the largest lakes in South Carolina, southcarolinalakes.info reported.
Lake Wateree, owned and managed by Duke Energy, was created in 1920 with the operation of Wateree Hydroelectric Station and provides a dependable water supply for Lugoff and Camden, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. With 620 miles of shoreline, Lake Wateree also is popular for recreational fishing and has multiple boat ramps, fishing access locations and fish attractors, SCDNR said.
Anyone who finds the plant should contact the Department of Environmental Service’s Aquatic Nuisance Plants Program calling by 803-898-0033, via email at invasiveweeds@des.sc.gov, or submit an online tip.
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This story was originally published October 22, 2025 at 10:44 AM.
