On the lookout for invasive species

Oct 28, 2010

Photo: SFNEC members Del Stowe and Arlene Hamilton with guest speaker Francine MacDonald (centre)

In an effort to raise awareness of invasive species in southern Ontario, the South Frontenac Natural Environment Committee presented “The Invading Species Awareness Program” at St. Paul's United Church in Harrowsmith on Oct. 20. The program, which is a partnership between the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) and the Ministry of Natural Resources, was presented by Francine MacDonald, an aquatics biologist who works with the O.F.A.H. and coordinates the program.

The program began in 1992 in response to the introduction and spread of zebra mussels to the Great Lakes in Ontario.

Invasive species include, plants, animals and insects and are defined as non-indigenous species that exist outside their natural range. They spread naturally or through man-made pathways such as boating, shipping, travel, recreation or gardening, and their establishment can threaten ecosystems, habitats, or other species with economic and /or environmental harms. These species tend to reproduce quickly, often have no natural predators and can out-compete other native species for food and habitat.

Perhaps the best known invading species in Ontario waters are the Zebra and Quagga mussels which have been found in various lakes in Frontenac County including Sydenham, Knowlton and Loughborough, Howes and others. These mussels (though actually clams) feed on algae, depleting the water of life-sustaining food for other species. Their other negative impacts include contamination of other species, increasing weed growth, disrupting food webs, fouling boats, littering beaches and clogging intake pipes. Since recreational boating is the main cause of the mussels spreading to inland lakes in Ontario, educating boaters is the key to preventing the further invasions.

Asian Carp are another invasive aquatic species, which can grow up to 1 metre in length and can weigh over 100 lb. Not to be confused other non-invasive species of carp, Asian carp were introduced to the US in the 1970s and escaped into the Mississippi River in the 1980s when it flooded. After that time an electric barrier was set up at the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal to try to keep the carp out of the Great lakes. Because they can eat up to 40% of their body weight per day the Asian carp have single handedly devasted huge pockets of commercial fishing in the US, which has put them forefront on our government’s radar.

As a result, various risk assessment studies are being undertaken on waterways in the Great Lakes to ensure that the Asian carp do not make an impact here. Demonstrating the seriousness of the threat of Asian carp US President Obama has devoted $60 million to the Asian carp response.

MacDonald also spoke of the Round Goby, a European fish (not to be mistaken with the mottled sculpin) that arrived from Detroit in the 1990s and in 10 years has crossed into all of the lower Great Lakes. However, they still have not yet been found in any land lakes. These fish are negatively impacting the populations of lake trout and small mouth bass in the Great Lakes since they feed on their eggs. MacDonald explained in detail how to identify the goby and advised anyone who sees one to report it immediately.

In the plant realm, since over 90% (448) of Canada's invasive plants are found in Ontario, a special organization called the Ontario Invasive Plant Council has recently been established.

MacDonald focused on a few of these invasive plant species like Purple Loosestrife, which can take over wetland areas, creating a monoculture. In Ontario in the early 1990s over 400 releases of Galarucella beetles occurred across the province in an effort to check the spread of loosestrife. MacDonald explained, “It's one of the success stories we have had as far as controlling invasive species go.”

MacDonald also spoke of the Common Reed, a tall grass that is out-competing its native counterpart in this area and can be seen in ditches along many highways and roads. Its spread is posing problems to bird sanctuaries and wetlands, especially Point Pelee.

MacDonald showed slides of the infamous Kudzu vine, known in the US as “the plant that ate the south”. Her slides demonstrated its ability to envelope cars, knock down hydro poles and devour entire buildings. The vine has been spotted near Lake Erie and MacDonald noted that with the onset of global warming the vine is in the position of posing major problems.

So what is the solution as far as invasive plant species go? Unfortunately pesticides appear to be the only sure bet unless the plants are caught very early on.

MacDonald informed listeners how best to “Stop the Spread” of these and other invasive species. For invasive water species boaters must be vigilant and inspect their boats and remove all plants and animals before removing them from the water. They should drain the motor water, empty all bait buckets and wash and dry all equipment.

Similarly, forest goers are advised to inspect and remove all seeds from shoes, vehicles, pets and all equipment, and to not stray from marked trails when visiting forested areas. Firewood is a dangerous carrier of invasive beetle species like the emerald ash borer and MacDonald advised listeners not to move firewood but instead to “Buy it where you burn it”.

She finished her presentation by encouraging residents to be vigilant observers and to visit the program’s website for further information at www.invadingspecies.com or call the hot line at 1-800-563-7711 to report any sightings of these or any other invasive species.