* Unintentional release: Individuals may have released unwanted pet snakeheads into local waterways. The snakehead is a popular aquarium fish due to its interesting appearance.
* Escape from aquaculture facilities: Snakeheads are occasionally raised for food or in aquaculture facilities. Accidental escapes or intentional releases from these facilities have contributed to their spread.
* Ballast water: Ships taking on water in foreign ports can also inadvertently transport fish and other aquatic organisms in their ballast tanks. These organisms are then released when the ballast water is discharged at a new port.
It's important to note that there's no single definitive answer to how the snakehead arrived in Maryland. It's likely a combination of these factors that led to their establishment in the state.
The first documented sighting of a snakehead in Maryland was in 2002 in a pond in Crofton. Since then, they have been found in various waterways across the state.
The introduction of this invasive species has raised concerns about its potential impact on native fish populations and the overall ecosystem.