An invasive fish species is a species of fish that has been illegally placed in Maine waters. The first case on record was in the 1970s in Belgrade Lakes, Maine where Northern Pike had been dumped. Since then there have been hundreds of cases with a variety of invasive fish including: Black Crappie, Rainbow Smelt and Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. In the past 8 years, there have been 75 cases of illegal introductions alone and every one of those species poses a threat to Maine waters and their ecosystems. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife can’t prevent these illegal introductions alone – as a Keeper of the Maine Outdoors, never introduce or move a fish from one body of water to another.