The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) congratulates David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources, on his announcement prohibiting the buying and selling of live bighead, black, silver and grass carp, along with all species of snakeheads and two species of gobies. The new regulation announced by the Minister includes a ban on selling these fish for aquarium use, and grass carp for use in backyard ponds. Carp species that are currently sold in food markets will still be available for sale but must be killed before the customer takes them from the store.
“We are very pleased with the announcement from the Minister,” said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director. “These invasive species are a threat to our natural resources and this is a great first step in controlling this menace. We will work with the Province to persuade the Federal government to introduce a Canada-wide ban on the live possession of these species through an amendment to the Federal Fisheries Act.” Mr. Reader noted that these species could also be introduced to Ontario waters during transport, through improper disposal of spoiled shipments or live release. Prohibiting the live possession of these fish will assist in preventing their release into Ontario waters through these pathways.
The four species of invasive carp are native to Asia. In the United States, where they have been used in aquaculture facilities, these carp species have escaped and established wild populations. This has resulted in the devastation of native fish populations, disruption of the food chain, and a threat to recreational and commercial fishing. Three types of carp (grass, bighead and black) are sold live in fish markets in urban centers around the province.
The government’s ban also prohibits the live purchase and sale of all 28 species of snakehead. Snakeheads are commonly sold in the aquarium industry and could inadvertently be introduced to Ontario waters by members of the public. Native to southeast Asia, snakeheads are capable of withstanding a wide variety of environmental conditions and could become established in Ontario waters.
The ban also prohibits the live purchase and sale of two species of gobies. Native to eastern Europe, gobies were introduced into the Great Lakes from ship ballast in the late 1980’s. Round gobies have spread throughout the lower Great Lakes and have become one of the most abundant fish species. They outcompete native fish species and can feed heavily on the fry and eggs of recreational fish species such as lake trout. Because of their small size, (3-5″), the potential exists for these fish to be inadvertently sold or used as a baitfish, and then transferred to inland lakes.
For more information about invasive species, their environmental impacts, and how to prevent their spread, contact the O.F.A.H./M.N.R. Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711.
Contact:
| Francine MacDonald O.F.A.H. Invasive Species/Aquatics Biologist (705) 748-6324 | Greg Farrant O.F.A.H. Government Relations and Communications Manager (705) 748-6324 |