The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) is holding a week-long aquatic invasive species blitz in many locations around the province. The event, along with other similar events around the Great Lakes Basin are taking place from June 30 to July 9, 2023.
The aim is to educate anglers and recreational boaters about the risk of aquatic invasive species. They will also teach how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. And the need to clean, drain, and dry their watercrafts. The first blitz is set for June 30 starting at 9 a.m. at Cobourg Beach.
“There will be lots of great opportunities for people to come out and learn about aquatic invasive species,” ISAP Outreach Liaison Jeff Berthelette stated in a release.
“During the events, volunteers and ISAP staff will be engaging with boaters and other recreationalists about how to clean, drain, and dry their watercrafts.”
Other blitzes
- Competitive Sport Fishing League (CSFL) Major League Fishing Canada, Beaverton Harbour, Lake Simcoe: July 1 and 2, 12 to 6 p.m.
- Camp Wanakita, Haliburton: July 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with an educational booth
- Anchorage Marina, Apsley: July 8, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with an educational booth and boat wash station
- Municipal Dock in Baptiste Village: July 8, 4 to 8 p.m. with an educational booth and boat wash station
Far-reaching effort
In 2019, Great Lakes states and provincial natural resource agencies, in cooperation with key partners, implemented a regional Great Lakes AIS outreach event. It was called the Great Lakes Regional AIS “Landing Blitz.” The focus of this initiative was to educate recreational boaters and anglers about invasive species by engaging with them at boat launches across the Great Lakes.
In its first year, the Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz held events at more than 440 locations in the US and Canada.
To learn more about the Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz, visit glc.org/work/blitz.
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