Each invasive species, whether spiny waterfleas, Eurasian water-milfoil, or zebra mussels, poses its own unique set of challenges in management; often, it is more about controlling the population as opposed to complete eradication. There is no silver bullet to combat invasive species, but if there was, it would be prevention.
Ontario’s Invasive Species Act of 2016 and Clean, Drain, Dry
Ontario’s Invasive Species Act of 2016 highlights priority invasive species in the province and what measures people need to take to prevent their spread.
Under this Act, more than 30 species, including some groups of species, are prohibited, while 15 species are restricted. While this Act doesn’t address all the invasives threatening Ontario, it represents a step in the right direction.
A significant aspect of it came into play in January 2022 when amendments to the Act regulated all watercraft and watercraft equipment as carriers of invasive species. This means that any boat, canoe, kayak, watercraft equipment, or anything moving into and out of the water is automatically considered to have aquatic invasive species on it.
The act highlights some key measures that water enthusiasts need to take to prevent the spread of aquatic invasives:
A person shall not transport watercraft or watercraft equipment overland unless
(a) any drain plugs or other devices used to control drainage have been removed or opened to allow water to drain out of the watercraft or watercraft equipment; and (b) reasonable measures have been taken to remove any aquatic plants, animals, or algae from the watercraft, watercraft equipment, and any vehicle or trailer used to transport the watercraft or watercraft equipment overland.
Many popular fishing and recreational lakes were invaded prior to 2022 regulatory amendments, so many tend to harbour invasive species. This is why as soon as your watercraft is removed from the water, you should clean and drain it, and seriously consider letting it dry for a number of days.
More on Clean, Drain, Dry
Clean, Drain, Dry is a phrase used across North America, and it helps outdoor enthusiasts follow the Invasive Species Act through a few easy steps.
Mandatory steps:
1. Clean the boat or watercraft before leaving the waterbody and ensure it is clean before entering a new one
2. Drain by pulling the transom plug, draining the live-well, and lowering the motor before leaving the waterbody
Optional, but highly encouraged:
3. Dry (or disinfect) by leaving the vessel in direct sunlight for at least 5 days to kill invasive species that cannot be seen with the naked eye
If you suspect you’ve encountered an aquatic invasive species, take a clear photo, note your location, and call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or report online at: www.EDDMapS.org
Originally published in the August 2024 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS
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