State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officials are warning of an invasion of exotic plants they say are taking over Suffolk waterways.

Chart Guthrie, of the DEC, says water primrose plants are forming a dense floating mat in Peconic Lake, crowding out native plants and hurting the habitats of fish. Guthrie says the plants also harm animals and threaten water sports.

Scientists say they are not sure how the water primrose made its way to Long Island, but add other invasive species often come from home aquariums. Officials warn that dumping plants or fish into county waterways is illegal and violators will be fined.

Related Information: Peconic Estuary Program