Five invasive Grass Carp were removed from Canadian waters in 2024! Three were collected in the Ottawa River, in Quebec. One was confirmed by photograph in Rondeau Bay, but the specimen was destroyed before it could be obtained by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
One was collected by DFO crews in Jordan Harbour in Lake Ontario. Although there are no reproducing populations of Grass Carp in the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes, there have been rare captures of individual fish, making them an immediate threat.
The Invasive Species Centre, through the Asian Carp Canada program, is hosting a Grass Carp Information Session in Windsor, ON at the Windsor Sportsmen’s Club on Tuesday, January 28th at 6:00pm. The purpose of the event is to share knowledge and updates on the threats that invasive Grass Carp pose to Canadian waters and to invite discussion with experts on the issue.
The event will begin with a booth session with participation from several organizations. This will be followed by a presentation from DFO and a Q&A period with a panel of experts. Boaters, anglers, and Great Lakes enthusiasts will be able to learn about Grass Carp and the effects their establishment would pose to the environment, economy, and society. Registration for this event is free and can be found here: http://bit.ly/3VNTUWp
“Grass Carp threaten so many valuable assets that the Great Lakes have to offer. Commercial and recreational fisheries, along with boaters and other recreational water users, would see negative impacts. With a voracious appetite, Grass Carp have the potential to reduce wetland habitats that are crucial to Great Lakes ecosystems,” explains Sydney Currier, Aquatic Program Coordinator at the Invasive Species Centre.
Researchers have found evidence of naturally reproducing populations of Grass Carp in the Sandusky and Maumee rivers, both tributaries of Lake Erie on the U.S. side.
This puts them within striking distance of Canadian waters of the Great Lakes and makes them an immediate threat.
Grass Carp can reduce wetland vegetation by up to 50% due to their ability to eat almost half of their body weight a day in aquatic vegetation.
This would cause high impacts to a predicted 33 fish species in the Great Lakes including Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Muskie, and others.
The Canadian recreational fishing industry is valued at $556 million USD.
Asian Carp Canada, supported by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, is a resource for information and news regarding invasive carp developments in Canada.
“Our website, asiancarp.ca, can connect you to the most recent information about prevention, early warning, reporting and response efforts. Visit www.asiancarp.ca for reporting information,” explains Currier.
It is important to learn how to identify and report suspected sightings of invasive Grass Carp. You can find the Grass Carp identification and reporting guidelines at https://www.asiancarp.ca/grass-carp-identification-and-reporting-guide/.
Both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species have the ability to threaten Canada’s environment, economy, and society, including human health. Education, outreach, and prevention of establishment are the most cost-effective ways to reduce these impacts.