Francine MacDonald, the Invasive Species/Aquatics Biologist with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters’ Invasive Species Awareness Program, was on hand here Tuesday night to speak about those species which threaten to invade our region.
“We’ve been primarily focused on southern Ontario,” MacDonald admitted to about a dozen people at La Place Rendez-Vous. “But it’s not just the Great Lakes—it’s a provincial problem and we should really be concerned about them.”
Her presentation, entitled “Aquatic Invasive Species—Spreading the Word, Not the Species,” began by defining alien invasive species.
MacDonald noted an alien species is a plant or animal coming from other parts of the world. And it is considered invasive if its introduction and spread causes harm to the local environment, economy, or society.
“One of the ways invasive species are introduced is through shipping—ships coming across the ocean carrying ballast,” she explained, noting anything from fish to aquatic plants can be transported in ballast water.
Ballast water is used to add weight and stabilize the ship in rough waves.
“This accounts for about 70 percent of the pathways,” she added.
But she also indicated the introduction of invasive species can come from recreational boating, aquarium and water garden trade, and the release of live bait.
“There are many species getting imported we know nothing about,” said MacDonald, noting boating is a key pathway.
“Invaders can hide [in many parts of a boat] and be transported to new lakes,” she warned.
The zebra mussel has been found in Duluth and Thunder Bay, MacDonald noted. And while it isn’t here yet, it is potentially on the horizon.
One of its significant impacts is its feeding on plankton. Without plankton, the water becomes clearer, allowing for more sunlight to penetrate the water, stimulating more plant growth and thus changing the habitat.
MacDonald explained Eurasian watermilfoil already had been discovered in 169 lakes and waterways in Minnesota. Meanwhile, the spiny water flea, introduced to the Great Lakes in 1982 from Europe, has been located in Quetico Provincial Park.
“[Spiny water flea] can get caught on fishing line,” she noted. “We often get reports from anglers.”
She explained how if someone was to bring a fishing line with spiny water flea on it to a new lake, it could start a new population.
“You just need one,” she stressed.
“Once these species get into the lake, they are impossible to control, so it’s very important to prevent them,” she added.
Prevention includes taking your boat out of the water and inspecting it, draining the water from it, and washing the boat once you get home.
As well, don’t use the same fishing line in another lake.
MacDonald said the O.F.A.H. is trying to increase public awareness with signs, stickers, and PSAs to get the word out.
Invasive species also can be transported by bait buckets, she explained. “Anglers are not often aware it is illegal to release bait fish from one body of water to another,” she noted.
The rusty crayfish is one species possibly transported that way.
“They have already been found in Lake of the Woods and Thunder Bay,” she remarked. “They are more aggressive than other species of crayfish and they feed on aquatic plants, impacting fish nurseries and spawning habits.”
The Ministry of Natural Resources is proposing banning the use of all crayfish as bait, or banning the use of just rusty crayfish as bait. Comments on the proposal can be made until April 24.
MacDonald also said the round goby was found near Thunder Bay in 2003 and there is an established population in Duluth. “They compete with native fish and drive them out of spawning areas,” she explained.
The round goby also is a big nuisance to anglers.
“It’s a big issue and it’s on our doorstep,” MacDonald stressed. “They could be spread as bait fish. We really need to educate folks about that.”
Purple loosestrife, which was introduced as an ornamental plant, is an invasive species. It takes over wetlands—not allowing the open water habitat.
“And purple loosestrife are of no value to wildlife as a food source,” MacDonald said.
But unlike the other invasive species, it has a successful control program—the galeurcella beetle from Europe, which feeds on the leaves of the plants.
She said beetle releases have occurred in Rainy River District and they have seen results.
“We are interested in doing more beetle releases in the north,” she noted, adding anyone interested should let her know.
There also are monitoring programs of invasive species, but not many here.
“I would like to see more volunteers here,” MacDonald stressed. “Now is the time to stop them.”
To report sightings of invasive species, call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
