What are Aquatic Invasive Species?

 “Aquatic invasive species are fish, invertebrate or plant species that have been introduced into a new aquatic environment, outside of their natural range.

Once introduced, aquatic invasive species populations can grow quickly because they don’t have natural predators in their new environment. As a result, they can outcompete and harm native species. They can even alter habitats to make them inhospitable for the native species. This is especially concerning for species at risk.

There are other aquatic species such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and other micro-organisms that can have equally devastating impacts in the aquatic environment.”  Ref: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/ais-eae/about-sur/index-eng.html

Why Tackle Invasives?

Invasives

  • compete for resources with native / indigenous species,
  • often over-running the native / indigenous species,
  • reducing the bio-diversity of an area, and
  • have significant impact on the ecosystems.

Focus Species

PLiiNK is focused on aquatic invasive species in the North Kawartha area (images from Invasive Species Centre and other sites, as linked. Click on links for more info), including:

Benefitting Species

Reducing the spread of aquatice invasive speces will benefit native species in the area, which include:

  • Common Water Fleas (Daphnia)
  • Northern Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum)
  • Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)
  • Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
  • Walleye (Sander vitreus)      

Reference Material

Good reference documents can be found here, from the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) sponsored by OFAH (Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Digital Resources – Aquatic Plants
Digital Resources – Invasive Invertebrates
Digital Resources – Invasive Fish