If you like to fish, you may have noticed many unfamiliar species showing up in your favourite lakes and rivers over the years.
This is not a natural hand of evolution. It is a disturbing and stubborn trend that has serious consequences.
Alien species are plants and animals introduced, by human action outside their natural range. Invasive species can threaten the environment, the economy or your health, says the Ministry of Natural Resources.
In fact, every year invasive plants cost the agriculture and forest industries in Canada about $ 7.3 billion. In Ontario, the impacts from zebra mussels alone cost $75 million.
Invasive species hitch rides on boats, trailers, boating and fishing equipment,and bait buckets.
Impacts from aquatic invasive species are broad and can reduce the number of native fish and cause problems for native mussels.
They can also damage the natural beauty of our lakes and waterways.
You can take actions to stop the spread of these invaders. Here's how:
- Do not release your bait into a water body. Empty your bait bucket on land at least 30 meters from the water's edge, or freeze / salt the bait to use later. Dispose of worms in the trash.
- Drain the water from your boat, Including from the motor, live well and bilge.
- Remove all aquatic plants, mussels or organisms from your boat and gear and put 'em in the garbage.
- Remove organisms you can not see on your boat by rinsing with hot water, spraying with high-pressure water or drying it in the sun for five days.
You can report sightings of invasive species by calling the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters' Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or by emailing info@invadingspecies.com . You can also use the EDDMapS Ontario system to report sightings through your computer or smartphone.
Learn more at Ontario.ca/InvasionON .