Eating Florida Alive: The Asian Swamp Eels’ Impact (includes photo essay)

By
Anthony Cruz, Cline’t Clarke, Mia Florian, Diego Lauria and Yaelis Pena
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To read the accompanying article, click here. To listen to the accompanying audio story, click here.

This photo gallery explores the growing impact of the invasive Asian swamp eel on the fragile ecosystem of Florida’s Everglades. It traces where the species originated, explains why it’s such a threat to Florida’s environment, and highlights the native species at risk. The eel’s spread doesn’t just endanger wildlife —it threatens our drinking water, our state’s tourism industry, and even Florida’s fishing economy. Researchers are working diligently to control the species and protect the Everglades for future generations. 

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Invasive species aren’t anything new in South Florida. In fact, more and more are popping up every year. They range from the devastating Burmese python to an iguana or lizard you’d find in your backyard.

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People have probably interacted with the Asian swamp eel in the form of a sushi roll. The species are native to Southeast Asia and researchers say it arrived in South Florida through the food industry.

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The eels were first spotted in the late 1990s following what researchers say were at least two separate canal invasions that occurred across Miami-Dade County. It would take another decade for them to infiltrate Everglades National Park through the canal system.

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The real damage began when the Asian swamp eel managed to enter the Everglades’ wetlands closer to 2010. These species reproduce sporadically, so their spread was virtually impossible to contain.

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The eels’ unique traits allow it to wipe out small species like crayfish in areas like Taylor Slough. Since it targets the Everglades’ dominant wetland species rather than its significantly smaller mammal population, researchers predict that it may be more devastating than the Burmese python. A study published in 2023 showed the populations of two crayfish species in Taylor Slough dropped by 99%, along with decreases of 91% for the Marsh killifish and 66% for the Eastern mosquitofish.

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The disappearance of small critters at the hands of the eel risks the reduction of food supply for iconic native species in the Everglades, such as the wading bird. Researchers are becoming increasingly concerned as the eel continues to spread through Shark River Slough – a critical habitat for the wading bird, which has seen steep population decreases across its history. Not only is this bird species a symbol of Florida, but it also plays a crucial role in restoration by acting as a measuring stick of its success for researchers. Dr. Nathan Dorn, FIU aquatic ecologist, says that roughly 80% of bird prey has been lost in areas like Taylor Slough.

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How does a healthy ecosystem improved through restoration affect you? Well, your drinking water comes from the Everglades. In fact, almost all of South Florida’s drinking water is generated from the Biscayne Aquifer.

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An unhealthy Everglades also disrupts South Florida’s main economic engine: tourism. Not only do millions of people from across the world visit our beaches, but Everglades National Park is also a well-known camping site. The survival of these attractions directly depend on the ecosystem being properly maintained. The disruption of freshwater ecosystems can lead to polluted runoff that flows into estuaries or coastal waters, which eventually reaches the region’s beaches.

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Florida’s lucrative fishing industry is also entirely dependent on a healthy, biodiverse Everglades. Research shows the state’s favorite pastime saw a steep drop before restoration, with a lack of freshwater and seagrass leading to a 90% drop in South Florida’s mullet catch in 1981.

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The River of Grass is not just a historic landmark that provides an environmental and economic foundation for the state, but it also gives all Floridians our basic needs to live. Researchers are still finding a solution to limit the Asian swamp eel’s spread, while giving warnings that it may never fully be eradicated from the ecosystem.

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Anthony Cruz is a sophomore majoring in Digital Media and Communications. A first-generation Cuban American, Anthony has been interested in local news since high school and hopes to pursue a career in reporting politics. He is also a lifelong South Florida sports fan.

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Cline’t Clarke is a senior studying Digital Journalism at Florida International University. With a keen interest in exploring the diverse career paths within journalism, she is actively researching her options. A passionate writer dedicated to helping others, Cline’t currently works with a nonprofit organization focused on educating students about healthy lifestyle choices. In her free time, she enjoys immersing herself in beauty, pop culture, and politics.
Mia florian bio

Mia Florian is a digital communications and media major at Florida International University. She is a passionate and determined individual who aims to deliver accurate and entertaining information. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she understands the power to connect with diverse audiences. 

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Diego Lauria is bilingual sophomore at Florida International University who hopes to direct films and content about the art culture in Miami.

Lauria has experience in videography, editing, and directing content for brands and local artists. He currently works as a marketing director for Burgundy.xyz, a creative community that brings independent curated events for artists in South Florida. Lauria hopes to have his own production company in the future.

Lauria will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor’s degree in digital communication and media in Spring 2027.

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Yaelis Peña is a senior majoring in digital journalism at FIU. She hopes to elevate community voices and coverage of local accountability.

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