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Invasive shrimp species spreads to Lake Superior, completes Great Lakes takeover, study says
By Sabrina Salguero Del Cid at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· June 24, 2026
· 2 min read
A non-native shrimp species has established a self-sustaining population in Lake Superior and has now spread to all five Great Lakes, according to a study.
Researchers said they found Hemimysis anomala, also known as the bloody red shrimp, in two locations at the Duluth-Superior Harbor. The sa...
Key takeaway ” Lake Superior is the last Great Lake to be colonized by the bloody red shrimp, which was first found in 2006.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The establishment of a self-sustaining bloody red shrimp population in Lake Superior has significant implications for Minnesota's ecosystem. As the last Great Lake to be colonized, Lake Superior's invasion completes the takeover of the region's major waterways. The potential impacts on native fish and algae abundance are still unknown, but the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources warns of possible predation on native fish food. This development also raises concerns about the spread of the invasive species to inland lakes, which could be facilitated by unsuspecting watercraft and equipment owners. University of Minnesota Duluth biology professor Donn Branstrator emphasizes the importance of "clean, drain, dry" procedures to prevent further spread. As the state's natural resources agency weighs in, Minnesotans should be vigilant about the potential consequences for the state's aquatic ecosystems and take preventive measures to protect inland lakes from this invasive species.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A non-native shrimp species has established a self-sustaining population in Lake Superior and has now spread to all five Great Lakes, according to a study.
Researchers said they found Hemimysis anomala, also known as the bloody red shrimp, in two locations at the Duluth-Superior Harbor. The sa...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sabrina Salguero Del Cid at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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