'Immediate threat to Canadian waters': Here's what the Invasive Species Centre wants you to know about grass carp
![Invasive Grass carp Invasive fish species are causing an “immediate threat to Canadian waters,” as they’re threatening to invade the Great Lakes, says the Invasive Species Centre (ISC). (Invasive Species Centre/ handout)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/2/28/invasive-grass-carp-1-6787614-1709140651936.png)
Researchers have found evidence of naturally reproducing invasive fish species in the Great Lakes, causing an “immediate threat to Canadian waters,” says the Invasive Species Centre (ISC).
Grass carp was found in the Sandusky and Maumee rivers, both tributaries of Lake Erie on the U.S. side, said the ISC in a news release on Thursday.
The threat to our waters is primarily due to the proximity of the lakes, connecting the east-central interior of North America to the Atlantic Ocean. From the interior to the outlet at the Saint Lawrence River, water flows from Superior to Huron and Michigan, southward to Erie, and finally northward to Lake Ontario.
"This puts them striking distance to the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes and makes them an immediate threat," read the release.
Biodiversity and activities like recreational fishing would be negatively impacted, the centre notes.
"Grass carp can reduce wetland vegetation by up to 50 per cent due to their ability to eat almost half of their body weight a day in aquatic weeds. This would cause high impacts to a predicted 33 fish species in the Great Lakes at including Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Muskey, and others.The Canadian recreational fishing industry is valued at $556 million USD."
The ISC held an information session -- The Grass Carp Information Session -- on Thursday in Belleville, Ont. to discuss the issue and what is being done about it, including information on the recent fertile female captured in the Bay of Quinte this past summer.
The session included information booths from the Invasive Species Centre, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Blue Fish Canada, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Fish’n Canada Show,” the ISC said in the release.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6975012.1721775341!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Canadian Olympic Committee offers 'heartfelt apology' after New Zealand accuses Canada Soccer of spying
The Canadian Olympic Committee offered a 'heartfelt' apology to New Zealand Football Tuesday after the New Zealand women's club accused the Canadian women's team of spying on them during a training session.
Jasper evacuees forced into B.C. to flee fires told to make U-turn to Alberta for aid
Thousands of wildfire evacuees forced from Jasper National Park into British Columbia along smoke-choked mountain roads Monday night were directed Tuesday to make a wide U-turn and head home if they needed a place to stay.
Pennsylvania state police commissioner reveals stunning details about Trump shooting
A local law enforcement commissioner revealed during a House Homeland Security hearing on Tuesday stunning new details about the security failures that led to the near assassination of Donald Trump, raising more questions for the embattled U.S. Secret Service.
Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, scientists say
Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded, breaking global temperatures dating back to 1940, according to preliminary data from Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Polar bear at Calgary Zoo died by drowning following 'crushing' injury
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has revealed the cause of death for polar bear Baffin last week.
Clip resurfaces of Vance criticizing Harris for being 'childless,' testing Trump's new running mate
Comments Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance made in 2021 questioning U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ leadership because she did not have biological children have resurfaced, testing the young conservative senator in his early days campaigning as part of the Republicans' presidential ticket.
Premier says fine-tuning needed for alert system after miscommunicated Jasper evacuation timing
Alberta's premier says changes are needed to the province's emergency alert system after incorrect information was shared about the Jasper evacuation on Monday night.
'I had to go into hiding': Manitoba man still being harassed after charges into alleged human trafficking ring dropped
A man whose charges were stayed following an investigation into an alleged child sex trafficking ring in Portage la Prairie says his life has been ruined.
'Stars are aligning' for Bank of Canada rate cut: economists
The Bank of Canada is expected to deliver a dose of interest rate relief Wednesday when economists and market watchers predict the central bank will cut its overnight lending rate.