Tag Archives: invasive species

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Ontario Can’t Afford To Not Win War On Phragmites

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Phragmites is likely the largest invasive plant threat facing Ontario today. It has taken over our wetlands, invaded our ditches and can get a foothold just about anywhere. It’s the monster that keeps coming back – we can’t let our guard down.

Phragmites was first found locally in the Long Point wetlands 20 years ago.

Spraying of glysophate started at Long Point and Rondeau Provincial Parks in September 2016, and has proven 99.7 per cent successful. When the phragmites is dead, the seed bank of native species, like cattails, will reactivate. Although spraying works, it must be followed up by rolling or cutting and burning. On Long Point Bay, there is a combination of private, provincial and federal wetlands. Much of the private wetlands are in the hands of hunt clubs, most of which have been active in controlling phragmites.

The Crown Marsh and the Turkey Point beaches are provincial holdings.

The Canadian Wildlife Service land, which comprises most of the point itself and the Big Creek marsh, are federal. I recently attended the meeting of the Long Point Phragmites Action Alliance – a local group dedicated to fighting this invader. They donated $20,000 toward continuing spraying in the Long Point Crown Marsh last year. Their annual fundraiser, Rocking the Point, will be August 24th.

My office worked tirelessly to ensure phragmites were sprayed last fall at Turkey Point beach after several years of inaction by the previous government. This spring the dead plants were flattened and burned. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is working with a number of conservation partners to coordinate prevention, control, research and management activities to help address this serious threat in recognition of the importance of the prevention, early detection, early response and eradication of invasive species.

This year the Ontario government is investing over $2 million in invasive species programs and education, and will be investing $850,000 in the centre to support ongoing research and management. Based in Sault Ste. Marie, the centre brings together government, academia, industry and Indigenous communities and organizations to conduct research, response planning, management and habitat restoration.

Early detection is especially important because once invasive species become established it is extremely difficult to remove them, potentially causing long-lasting damage to our environment.

For federal lands, thanks to the actions of MP Diane Finley, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) will receive $375,000 over the next three years to aid in the removal and prevention of phragmites growth in sensitive ecosystems. Recently, we saw another win for the ongoing control of phragmites with the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s significant contribution of $90,000 to NCC to purchase a boat to control this invasive. Now in its fourth year, the partners have effectively controlled phragmites in over half the coastal wetlands at Long Point and Turkey Point.

With the help of the Ontario Trillium Foundation funds, NCC will be able to continue monitoring the shorelines for phragmites – catching remnant populations before they spiral out of control. Early detection and constant monitoring and control are key to successfully eradicating those devastating invaders and returning the marshes and shorelines to havens for turtles, birds and waterfowl. Although $2 million has been spent on phragmites control in the area, we must be vigilant as the monster will return. For the Silo, Toby Barrett MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk.

Supplemental- The Ontario Phragmites Working Group.

Featured image- Phragmites Great Lakes region photo by Janice Gilbert 2007

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Lake Erie Fisheries At Risk Or Set For Bolstering From Invading Fish

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No perch or pickerel in Lake Erie’s fisheries future? The tasty fish our Great Lakes are known for, and all other sport fish, could be decimated if the insidious Asian carp migrate from the Mississippi watershed.

Combined, the four Asian carp species could decimate the Great Lakes fishery by out competing our native fish.

Plankton, which is the base of the Great Lakes food chain, is consumed by silver and bighead carp. Grass carp prefer plants while black carp eat mollusks. Asian carp can consume up to 20 per cent of their weight every day.

Since escaping impounds near the mouth of the Mississippi River, the carp have spread north and are very near the Great Lakes in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. So far, everything from electric barriers to water-propulsion jets to noise cannons have been considered to keep them at bay.

BING image search results for “Ontario Invasive Fish Species”.

But, the systems aren’t perfect. A silver carp was caught on June 22, just nine miles from Lake Michigan. Two weeks of intensive monitoring did not find any other carp. The captured fish has been sent for laboratory analysis to search for more clues on how it got there.

While some fear this is the beginning of the end, it should be noted that a bighead carp was also found in the area in 2010. The protocol for stepped-up monitoring wasn’t in place then, but no Asian carp have been found in the area in the ensuing seven years.

 

Most of the media attention rightfully is focused on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (zoom and scroll on the map above)  as a route for the invasion, but it is not the only possible route. Silver carp have been found in the Ohio River and that state’s Little and Great Miami Rivers – all pathways to Lake Erie. Barriers have improved in Indiana’s Eagle Marsh, where, during flooding, there is a possibility carp could move from the Mississippi watershed to Lake Erie.

Although science and technology continue the search for solutions to the Asian carp threat, politics can get in the way. The Great Lakes states, with the exception of Illinois and Indiana, were in favor of blocking the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Perhaps the last president hailing from Chicago was a factor in this not happening.

While on holidays in Louisiana, I testified at Army Corps of Engineers hearings for their Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study. I support chemical, electrical, vibration and other methods used to deter invasives moving up the Chicago canal.

The U.S. administration has stalled the release of their report, although two weeks ago, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee approved a bill that would force its release.  The bill had support from both sides of the House.

Similarly, there has been bi-partisan support to block a move in the presidential budget that would slash the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding from $300 million to zero. A portion of that funding goes to Asian carp programs.

On the home front, I have pushed for legislation that Asian carp brought into Ontario for food must first be eviscerated.

Ontario has passed the Invasive Species Act, becoming the first province with legislation dedicated to addressing the threat. Asian carp are included in this law.

Much of the attention and expenditure on Asian carp has been south of the border. In my view, more could be done in Ontario. For the Silo, MPP Toby Barrett.

Featured image- Electrofishing for the invasive Asian carp (Photo By U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [Public domain]

Supplemental- Is Asian Carp ‘invasion’ actually a secret ‘stocking initiative’ for bolstering commercial fishing?  Published on 13 Aug 2013 Asian Carp Processing Plant- Kentucky -Two Rivers Fisheries in Wickliffe, KY is taking a run at the Asian Carp market. With an abundance of Bighead and Silver carp in nearby waterways, the fish market is set to process and sell these fish for consumption. Commercial fishermen have often said if you pay us for the invasive carp we will catch them and that is exactly what is happening in Western Kentucky.

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When Are We Going to Get Serious About Invasive Species- Phragmites?

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The Phragmites invasion was identified as the number one concern facing the Long Point area at this summer’s Long Point Biosphere symposium on ecosystem stresses.

Phragmites growing along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline. image: chesapeakebay.net
Phragmites growing along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline. image: chesapeakebay.net

In the pond adjacent to my house, a few Phragmites plants appeared about 20 years ago. Those few stalks then turned into a patch covering 15 per cent of the pond. It took 20 years but I’ve now eliminated it – although it has cropped up elsewhere on our farm. I realize what I’ve seen for an increase is small in comparison to what has occurred in some areas, for example, Phragmites dominates the ditches along Highway 402.

More than 10 years ago, Dr. Scott Petrie and Long Point Waterfowl were one of the first to research the expansion of Phragmites in the Long Point area. At that time, the potential threat was just beginning to be realized. Its threat wasn’t widely known outside Long Point except amongst waterfowlers and naturalists.

The last session of the legislature debated Phragmites as a part of the Invasive Species Act. This bill has currently had its second reading.

My concern as a landowner is to have the tools to deal with Phragmites. The Invasive Species Act doesn’t provide this kind of help. Ideally, the Act should contain an education plan, funding and ways to prevent spread. The Act puts an emphasis on landowners to control invasive species, but doesn’t provide the wherewithal to make it happen.

This is not to say the Invasive Species Act is all bad legislation, it’s just big on stick and small on carrot.

Now in talking about tools, we realize the challenges of controlling Phragmites. It spreads through both seeds and rhizomes and is just about impossible to control without herbicide.

I recently attended a St. Williams meeting on Phragmites, hosted by the Ontario Phragmites Working Group and Long Point Ratepayers’ Association, that focused on methods of control. Control alternatives varied from manual extraction, to discing it under, to experimentation with herbicides, to prescribed burns. Herbicides are the best alternative for large areas, but the issue is approval needs to be granted for application over water.

When Phragmites colonizes an area, it spreads quickly and prevents the new growth of other plants. It’s also poor habitat for wildlife. It impacts humans as well through loss of recreational opportunities, negative tourism impacts, decline in property values and blocked sightlines.

Purple LoosestrifeWhen Purple Loosestrife was the hot invasive plant, I was Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources. In conjunction with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, hit squads went into areas where Loosestrife was rampant and manually removed it. It’s not that simple with Phragmites, and we have yet to see this kind of commitment from government.

During the St. Williams symposium, we learned the City of Thomas has tackled Phragmites with minimal expenditure. The goal is to have the city Phragmites-free by 2020. Lambton Shores has also been aggressive and the plant is now 99 per cent under control in the municipality.

When Purple Loosestrife was first identified as an issue, it was thought to be the worst invasive plant in the province’s history – Phragmites now has that dubious honour. It will take a concerted effort by government, communities and individuals to take it on. It’s time to get serious! For the Silo, MPP Toby Barrett

Toby Barrett

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Barrett: Ontario Invasive Species Act Still Needs More Work

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When sea lamprey became entrenched in the Great Lakes, the impact on native fish was tremendous. Decades later, we are still battling lamprey, but Asian carp are waiting at the door with ramifications that will make lamprey look tame.

Fallout on ecosystems and native species is often severe, and sometimes irreversible. The damage Asian carp could do to our Great Lakes is unimaginable and the phragmites invasion is choking out wetlands across the province. Damage from invasive species is not just ecological, but also financial with estimates of $7.5 billion annually on forestry and farming.

When passed, the province’s new Invasive Species Act will make Ontario the first province to have such a law. Basically, the bill lays out how to help prevent invasive species, how to detect and respond rapidly to the presence of new invaders, and effectively manage those already established. The concept is admirable, but I do have a few concerns.

The bill has wide-ranging support from various stakeholders, but it is reactionary when in many cases a more proactive approach would be appropriate.

To start, the identification of invasive species will be done through a so-called black list. It requires harm from a species before it will be regulated. However this is reactive rather than preventative. To explain further, the approach to sea lamprey is reactive, whereas the present approach to Asian carp is preventative. It’s easier and less costly to deal with an invasive species before it’s established.

An approach that is frequently recommended, but not used in this bill, is the pathways approach. Using this approach, the regulation of invasive species is based on the risk of invasion via certain pathways so it can be regulated and the risks mitigated. One example is requiring the gutting of all Asian carp imported into Canada for food to make sure they are dead.

The bill does not outline a science-based approach to risk assessment and decision making. My concern is red tape to identify invasive species will hamper prevention efforts.

The act downloads the responsibility of implementation to landowners, but leaves little incentive for landowners to act. As a property owner, I have concerns the bill will be punitive and unfair.

The bill creates two classes of invasives – significant threat and moderate threat. Although there are tools to deal with moderate-threat invasives in provincial parks, there are no tools or authority for private landowners. I have seen this in my own battle against phragmites on our farm and the limited tool kit permissable.

Another concern is the act would create a heavy-handed regulatory scheme that will punish innocent persons who have the misfortune of having an invasive species on their land and download costs of dealing with it to the owner. I am also opposed to the warrantless entry provision for authorities to search property and buildings.

The penalties set out in the act are higher for corporations than individuals. While this concept seems sound, the government failed to take into account the fact many businesses and family farms are incorporated.

I have faith in the science personnel within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry who provided the basis for the act. But I also believe there is a wealth of knowledge amongst anglers, hunters, naturalists, farmers and commercial fishermen and their associations that can be incorporated with more public consultation. Toby Barrett, MPP

Supplemental– Great Lakes Commerical Fisheries Michigan Fish Producers Conference

Bill 167 Ontario’s Invasive Species Act 2014

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Fined $2K For Possessing Living Snakehead “Frankenfish”

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Frankenfish- the other name for the Snakehead. Frankenfish usually refer to genetically modified fish (search genetically modified salmon for more) but due to the 2004 movie "Frankenfish" which starred a Snakehead- this term is being used more and more for The northern snakehead, (Channa argus). This invasive species is now being discovered throughout North America and the United Kingdom. CP
Frankenfish- the other name for the Snakehead. Frankenfish usually refer to genetically modified fish (search genetically modified salmon for more) but due to the 2004 movie “Frankenfish” which starred a Snakehead- this term is being used more and more for The northern snakehead, (Channa argus). This invasive species is now being discovered throughout North America and the United Kingdom. CP

A Chatham man has been fined $2,000 for illegal possession of snakehead fish. Yung-Chieh Liu pleaded guilty to illegally possessing live invasive fish. In addition to the fine, two snakehead fish were also forfeited to the Crown.

Justice of the Peace Malcolm Rogers heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Blenheim, on April 17, 2013.

The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds residents that it is against the law to have certain invasive species in your possession, because they pose a serious threat to native species and ecosystems. 

“The Northern Snakehead might enjoy life in Canada, but it would not be welcome here. This fish, native to eastern Asia, has invaded parts of the United States, where it threatens to disrupt ecosystems and native fish species unaccustomed to its presence. Scientists at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) want to stop the snakehead from establishing a base in Canadian waters – and building a strong defence is the key to success.

The risk posed by snakeheads is very real. Several of the 36 species have a long history of invasions, and are very hardy. They can even live out of the water for a time – to pursue their prey or find a new home if the former one dries up. They survive winter under the ice of northern lakes; some have even recovered from being frozen! The Northern Snakehead, in particular, thrives on conditions that are similar to many Canadian waters. It is a voracious predator, and it grows rapidly to an adult length of 1.5 metres or more.

In their native waters, some snakehead species are fished for food or used for aquaculture. Many are exported to other countries where they may be sold live in food markets and pet shops. Scientists believe that the Northern Snakeheads found in lakes in some US cities may have originated from food markets. Some may have been released to the wild in an ill-advised attempt at fish stocking or because they were no longer wanted as pets.” Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Be on the lookout for the Snakehead. Report any sightings and help keep this invader out of Ontario's waters.
Be on the lookout for the Snakehead. Report any sightings and help keep this invader out of Ontario’s waters.

For further information about fishing regulations, please consult the 2013 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, available at ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, licence issuers and at ontario.ca/fishing.

 

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours.  You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

 

 

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Asian Silver Carp Set To Invade Great Lakes

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The Great Lakes are one of the world’s most important natural resources – holding one fifth of the world’s fresh surface water, home to more than 150 species of fish, and vital to the economy of Ontario and neighbouring U.S. states. But several kilometres from Lake Michigan lurks a threat that could change the Great Lakes forever. The fish known as Asian carp could wipe out native fish species, devastate sport and commercial fisheries, and cause far-reaching changes to the Great Lakes ecosystem.

If you need proof of the danger to the Great Lakes, take a look at the Mississippi River Basin. After escaping from aquaculture ponds in the southern U.S. in the 1970s and 80s, Asian carp have spread steadily northward. In parts of the Mississippi and other rivers, invasive, voracious Asian carp have crowded out native fish and make up as much as 90 per cent of all fish by weight. Only electric barriers in a canal near Chicago are currently keeping the fish out of Lake Michigan.

The need for a coordinated plan to fight Asian carp led the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, with support from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to host a “table-top exercise” in March. The exercise simulated an incident where Asian carp get into Ontario waters. The aim was to test if the agencies involved are ready to respond quickly and effectively.

“Preventing Asian carp from spreading into the Great Lakes is the most cost-effective control measure we’ll ever have,” says Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey. “This exercise was about making sure all the agencies involved work together, and identifying areas where we’re vulnerable.”

For the March exercise, participants rehearsed how they would respond IF an accident on a bridge over the Thames River in southwestern Ontario caused a truckload of live Asian carp to be dumped in and near the river. It was a timely choice – only a week earlier a fish importer had been fined $50,000 for trying to truck 1,800 kilograms of live Asian carp across the Windsor/ Detroit border to sell in the Greater Toronto Area. It’s illegal to possess live Asian carp in Ontario.

The term “Asian carp” includes four species – bighead, silver, grass and black carp. The bighead and silver carp currently pose the biggest threat. They weigh up to 45 kilograms and can grow to more than a metre long. As filter feeders that can eat 20 per cent of their body weight a day in plankton, they’re able to grow and multiply faster than native species. In some areas in the U.S. carp populations are doubling every year.

Silver carp are also a hazard to people on the water. When disturbed by boat motors, the fish jump as much as two metres out of the water. Boaters and water skiers on the Illinois River have already been hit and injured.

Canadian and U.S. experts agree that Asian carp would thrive in the Great Lakes, and that quick action is the only way to prevent Asian carp from spreading if they are found in the Great Lakes Basin.

During the table-top exercise, local MNR staff described how they would place nets upstream and downstream to catch and identify fish in the river, test the fish to find out if they could reproduce, and confirm if the river habitat was suitable for Asian carp. The agencies involved also had to decide if any local species at risk might be harmed by the control measures, and keep governments, partners, the public and the media informed.

“Ontario’s recreational fishery contributes $500 million to the province’s economy each year, our commercial fishery is worth up to $215 million a year, and the Great Lakes ecosystem is priceless,” says Minister Jeffrey. “With so much at stake, we have to be prepared.” For the Silo, Lacey Williamson.