Invasive Species

Invasive Species in Thunder Bay

A species is considered invasive when it is not part of the local ecosystem.  In the Lake Superior and Thunder Bay region, there are a several important invasive species to note when gardening, recreating, travelling, and participating in recreational activities, including:

 

2

Aquatic Invasive Species

Round Goby

Sea Lamprey

1

Terrestrial Invasive Species

Himalayan Balsam

Garlic Mustard

Japanese Knotweed

Emerald Ash Borer

 

Significance

Invasive species can be extremely problematic to ecosystems, and can affect you too! They can take over habitat, out-compete for food, reproduce rapidly, and completely interrupt food chains. Hundreds of invasive species have infiltrated our lakes, rivers, and forests- causing irreparable damage to fragile habitats and ecosystems.

Ways to Help

There are many things that you can do from home to take action and help control the spread of invasive species in the Thunder Bay Region.

  1. Manage Invasive Species on your Property
  2. Only purchase bait from local vendors
  3. Only burn firewood from your district or the district you are visiting
  4. Clean your gear & pets
  5. Garden responsibly
  6. Dispose of invaders properly
  7. Report sightings to the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters Invading Species Hotline toll-free: 1-800-563-7711, or online at EDDMapS Ontario
  8. Report any illegal activity involving invasive species to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry toll-free at 1-877-847-7667


How They Travel

There are several ways invasive species travel, including:

  • Bike, quad and recreational vehicle tires
  • Hiking boots and seeds stuck to socks
  • Boat motors and live wells
  • Pets
  • Firewood
  • Non-native plant transfers
  • Live bait dumping

… the list goes on.

For the most up to date information on Invasive Species in Ontario, please visit: