Aquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive Species

……of the Thompson / Shuswap Regionof the Thompson / Shuswap Region

What we will cover..What we will cover..

• Overview of invasive fish species• Impacts of invasive species• Distribution of invasive species• Options for rectifying invasive species

What is a “Spiny Ray”?What is a “Spiny Ray”?

• A freshwater spiny ray fish’s dorsal fin contains a series of spines

What are invasive species?What are invasive species?

• In the Thompson/Shuswap region aquatic (fish) invasive species are:

• Spiny Ray Fishes:

– Smallmouth & Largemouth Bass

– Yellow Perch

– Pumpkinseed

Where are they now?Where are they now?

• Found in 9 Shuswap/Thompson region lakes– Skmana/Little Skmana– Skimikin – Gardom– Phillips– Nellies– Forest– Miller– Fleming

What are the impacts?What are the impacts?

• Minor species interactions

• Disease

• Predation

– Disturbance of food chain & habitat

• Parasitism

• Extinction of native species

Why should we care?Why should we care?

• Invasive fish species threaten:– Trout– Salmon– Whitefish– Char

• Invasive species disrupt entire ecosystems• Invasive species can cause economic hardship• Invasive Species can lead to fishery closures• Invasive species can lead to extinction of

local/native species

What are some options?What are some options?

Option 1: Biological Controls• Diseases affecting the invasive species• Biological (sterilization) control agents• Pheromone trapping• Predator introduction

What are some options?What are some options?

Option 2: Physical Controls• Nets and traps• Containment barriers• Explosives• Electrical devices• Draining lakes or streams

What are some options?What are some options?

Option 3: Chemical Controls• Introduction of target chemicals

– Rotenone is most well known for fish targeting• Natural fish toxin derived from plants• Used since mid 1600’s• First used in BC in 1947• Low toxicity to birds and mammals• Easily dispersed• Allows systems to be “restarted”

What else are we doing?What else are we doing?

• Public education / community input• Offering a reward for information• Lake treatments• Monitoring programs

– Inventory/assessment

What can you do?What can you do?

• Transporting invasive species is illegal• Report suspicious activities to:

RAPP: 1-877-952-7277

• Report invasive species sightings• Educate yourself