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Aquatic Invasive Species. …of the Thompson / Shuswap Region. 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”?.
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Aquatic Invasive Species …of the Thompson / Shuswap Region
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”? • A freshwater spiny ray fish’s dorsal fin contains a series of spines
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? • Found in 9 Shuswap/Thompson region lakes • Skmana/Little Skmana • Skimikin • Gardom • Phillips • Nellies • Forest • Miller • Fleming
What are the impacts? • Minor species interactions • Disease • Predation • Disturbance of food chain & habitat • Parasitism • Extinction of native species
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? Option 1: Biological Controls • Diseases affecting the invasive species • Biological (sterilization) control agents • Pheromone trapping • Predator introduction
What are some options? Option 2: Physical Controls • Nets and traps • Containment barriers • Explosives • Electrical devices • Draining lakes or streams
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? • Public education / community input • Offering a reward for information • Lake treatments • Monitoring programs • Inventory/assessment
What can you do? • Transporting invasive species is illegal • Report suspicious activities to: RAPP: 1-877-952-7277 • Report invasive species sightings • Educate yourself