Latest news with #AquaticInvasiveSpecies
CBC
17-07-2025
- Science
- CBC
Massey Drive's Link Pond is littered with hundreds of goldfish
News of an invasive fish species taking over Link Pond in Massey Drive brought the Department of Fisheries and Oceans on site to investigate. Macgregor Parent, a DFO aquatic invasive species co-ordinator, says what was first thought to be dozens of animals was actually hundreds of goldfish.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Michiganders love the Great Lakes. So do invasive species. What to watch for
While Michiganders are heading north or elsewhere to celebrate the Fourth of July, state officials are urging them to keep an eye out for invasive pests and plants, and take steps to avoid helping them spread farther. 'Preventing the spread of invasive species in our waterways is as simple as cleaning, draining, and drying all boats, trailers and gear between uses,' Kevin Walters said, aquatic biologist, water resources division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy June 27 release. Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in Michigan, June 29-July 5, reminds residents the importance of cleaning, washing, drying and disinfecting their boats, trailers and other water equipment. 'AIS Awareness Week is a good reminder that if we all do our part, we can lessen the impact of invasive species in Michigan," Walters said. Michigan's Invasive Species Watch List includes 10 invasive aquatic plants, six that have been detected in the state, and five aquatic animals, three of which have been detected. "Public awareness about the impacts of harmful, nonnative aquatic plants and animals is critical to protecting Michigan's ecosystems, tourism and economy," the release said. Three aquatic animals of particular concern in Michigan include grass carp, New Zealand mudsnail and the red swamp crayfish. Officials say understanding how to identify and report an invasive species can help reduce their numbers to keep Michigan's ecosystems balanced. In addition, officials have organized more than 50 events in Michigan throughout the week to provide boaters and anglers tips on how to prevent the spread of unwelcome aquatic plants and animals. Here's how to identify the three aquatic invasive species already detected in Michigan: One of four invasive carp species, the grass carp has been detected in the Great Lakes and other bodies of water, and remains on the watch list. Grass carp are native to eastern Asia, Russia and China. In Michigan, they are dispersed by unauthorized stocking or release and by escaping commercial farming, according to Michigan Invasive Species program. Grass carp are dangerous to Michigan's aquatic ecosystem because they contribute to algal blooms (which is an excessive growth of algae in a body of water, per the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) and destroying habitats used by native species. For instance, they disrupt weed beds which are native species' spawning or nursey beds. Here are characteristics of the grass carp to help residents identify this species: Can reach lengths of more than 5 feet, weight can reach more than 80 pounds. Eyes sit even with the mouth. Large scales that appear crosshatched. Shorter dorsal fin than goldfish or common carp. The other invasive carp species on Michigan's watch list are the silver carp, bighead carp and black carp none of which have been detected in the state. One of the two invasive crayfish on Michigan's watch list, the red swamp crayfish is native to the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast, and has been detected in Michigan. The red swamp crayfish poses threats to Michigan's aquatic ecosystem because they "compete aggressively with native crayfish species for food and habitat," based on Michigan's Invasive Species program. In Michigan, they have been introduced and spread via commercial farming, classroom or labratory release, live bait dumping and through fish stocking events. They live in a variety of freshwater habitats and burrow deep into the ground leaving behind a mound of dirt with a entry point in the center. Here are characteristics of the red swamp crayfish (also called the Louisiana crawfish) to help residents identify the species: Dark red color with bright red raised spots, they resemble a small lobster. Elongated claws and bony exoskeleton. Elongated head with a triangular rostrum. From 2.2 inches to 4.7 inches in length. The other invasive crayfish on Michigan's watch list is the marble crayfish and they have not yet been detected in the state. "New Zealand mudsnails can be transported on boats, anchors and fishing gear such as waders and nets. Because of their small size and ability to survive out of water for several days, it is important to carefully decontaminate boats and gear between uses," the Michigan Invasive Species program said. Native to New Zealand, the snail a small yet adaptable invasive species and has been detected in the Great Lakes, Au Sable River, Boardman River, Grass River, Marquette River, Pine River and Upper Manistee River. This invasive species is dangerous to Michigan aquatic ecosystem due to its rapid cloning reproduction. They take over food sources leaving, little for native invertebrates, and they make it difficult for fish to find food. Here are characteristics of the New Zealand mudsnail to help residents identify the species: Small snail, averaging 1/8 inch long. Right-side opening with 5-6 whorls on shell (spiral pattern). Shells vary from light brown to black. Difficult to identify. According to Michigan's Invasive Species Program, each species has a particular official (and number) to contact found under that species' profile. Residents are encouraged to take photos and report when and where the species was spotted. In addition, residents can use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network online reporting tool, or download the MISIN app to report on-the-go. Here is the full list of aquatic plant species on the watch list: Brazilian elodea European water-clover (detected in Michigan) Hydrilla (detected in Michigan) Parrot feather (detected in Michigan) Water chestnut Water hyacinth Water lettuce (detected in Michigan) Water-primrose (detected in Michigan) Water soldier Yellow floating heart (detected in Michigan) Here is the full list of aquatic fish and animal species on the watch list: Invasive carp: silver carp, bighead carp, grass carp (detected in Michigan) and black carp. Marbled crayfish New Zealand mudsnail (detected in Michigan) Northern snakehead Red swamp crayfish (detected in Michigan) Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@ This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week. Prevent their spread in Michigan
Winnipeg Free Press
19-06-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Clear Lake coalition seeks judicial review of Parks Canada's sudden ‘gut punch' decision banning power boats
Cottagers and businesses at Riding Mountain National Park are asking for a judicial review of a decision by the federal park's superintendent to ban motorboats on Clear Lake just weeks after giving them the green light. In a notice of application to the Federal Court of Canada, filed earlier this week by several organizations and individuals, including Clear Lake Country Destination Marketing Organization, Clear Lake Cottage Owners Association and Clear Lake Country Boat and RV Storage, are asking a judge to declare the decision was 'invalid or unlawful' and allow motorboats back on the lake. But Jason Potter, president of the Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce, which is one of the four founding organizations of Fairness for Clear Lake, said the ban changes what has been lake life there for decades. Earlier this year, Parks Canada said the pier at Clear Lake was expected to reopen fully this summer. (Connor McDowell / Brandon Sun files) 'It was a complete shock and a gut punch,' Potter said of the May decision that reversed an announcement in January allowing powered boats on the water. 'Right away we want the boats. We want people to enjoy Clear Lake like they have for generations. We also want Parks Canada to be fair and accessible to us — we hadn't heard anything before this decision was made.' No one with Parks Canada could be reached for comment. Last summer, powered boats were banned following the discovery of zebra mussels at the marina several months earlier. In January, after Parks Canada said it was not feasible to try to eradicate the invasive and destructive species from the lake because the spread had gone beyond the marina, the federal department said it would return to its 2023 one boat, one lake policy. Under the policy, boaters select a lake, and that's the only body of water they can use for the rest of the season. If the boat is taken out of a lake, it must be decontaminated and pass an Aquatic Invasive Species inspection before it can be launched elsewhere. But cottagers and business owners were angered when suddenly, with no advance notice, Parks Canada announced at the beginning of the May long weekend that only non-motorized watercraft — including canoes and kayaks — would be allowed, but even they had to have an annual permit for use only on Clear Lake. Parks Canada said at the time the move was 'a continuation of Parks Canada's attempts to reduce zebra mussel spread in Clear Lake and the potential damage that may be caused to downstream water bodies and related infrastructure.' Fairness for Clear Lake has already raised more than $92,000 of a $100,000 goal in a crowd-funding campaign to be used for 'legal action, advocacy, and communications efforts.' The donors include $10,000 from the Elkhorn Resort, $5,000 from Lakehouse Properties, $5,000 from Collyer Construction, and $1,000 from the South End Lumber Timbermart. In the court document, the cottage and business groups argue Parks Canada's decision was unreasonable and say the minister responsible for the federal agency failed to provide for public consultation, which they claim is a requirement under legislation. Potter said the park superintendent met with cottagers and business owners the day after the decision came out. 'She had no sympathy at all,' he said. 'She said she made the decision.' Potter said the effects of the ban are already rippling out, but will be felt fully in July and August. He said there are already signs that cottages are not selling quickly like they have in the past. Sundays Kevin Rollason's Sunday newsletter honouring and remembering lives well-lived in Manitoba. Potter said the owner of Clear Lake Marina, which not only rents boats, but also offers cruises on the Martese ship, also wasn't given any advance notice of the ban. 'He was going to open on the May long weekend and he had everything ready to go, and all of a sudden on the Friday he is told that is no longer allowed. The marina had hired 30 people to work there this summer and he had to lay off the majority of them,' Potter said. Kelsey Connor, the marina's president, could not be reached for comment. But last month he told the Free Press the ban 'completely blindsided us. 'Parks Canada managers and staff have straight-up lied to and misled me over the phone, face to face and eye to eye leading up to this announcement.' Kevin RollasonReporter Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press's city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin. Every piece of reporting Kevin produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Boaters operating vessels on inland waters must purchase AIS stamp, DEEP says
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding boaters who operate vessels inland that they are now required to purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species stamp. AIS stamps can be purchased through DEEP's Sportsmen Licensing System. It can also be purchased whenever fishing licenses are sold. Report: Number of traffic stops in Connecticut increase by 14% in 2023 'The spread of nuisance aquatic invasive species is one of the biggest threats to water-based recreation in Connecticut today. The funds collected through the AIS Stamp program brings important resources to this fight,' DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in a written statement. Anyone who answers 'yes' to these two questions is required to purchase a sticker: Are you operating on Connecticut's inland waters, and are you operating a vessel that is required to display a registration decal? This applies to out-of-state visitors who are boating on inland waters in the state, too. An individual sticker is $7, while a decal is $25, which is assigned to certain vessels. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
