Aquatic Invasive Species
…of the Thompson / Shuswap Region
What we will cover..
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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
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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:
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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
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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?
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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