Volunteers help blow the whistle on aquatic invaders

OFAH File: 842/420EX
September 6, 2006

For Immediate Release

Volunteers help blow the whistle on aquatic invaders
Results are in from 2006 Invading Species Watch program

The results are in from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters’ volunteer initiative. Invading Species Watch is an innovative volunteer-based monitoring program supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, York University, Rideau, Mississippi, and South Nation conservation authorities and the Trailsmen Rod & Gun Club. Assistance is also provided by the Government of Canada’s Summer Career Placement Program.

“This program tracks the spread of invasive species like the zebra mussel, spiny water flea and the rusty crayfish. Early detection of these invaders can help prevent their spread to our local waterways,” said O.F.A.H. Biologist, Francine MacDonald.

Click here for a list of 2006 Invading Species Watch sightings

This summer, conservation-minded volunteers helped the O.F.A.H. and its partners sample 200 lakes in the communities of Pembroke, Sudbury, Peterborough, South Nation, Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, Muskoka and Aurora. Results are now available through the O.F.A.H. Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711. “The O.F.A.H. Invading Species Watch provides shoreline residents and cottage owners with a crash course in aquatic ecology and lake sampling techniques as well as the threats and spread of invasive species. Using a monitoring kit provided by the O.F.A.H., volunteers with the assistance of an Invading Species Watch crew member, collect water samples and other field data using plankton tow nets. The water samples are analyzed by the O.F.A.H. and conservation authorities to detect the presence or absence of aquatic invasive species,” said MacDonald.

In 1998, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and its partners established the province-wide Invading Species Watch program in response to a lack of information regarding the distribution and spread of invasive species in Ontario’s inland waters. The information collected through the program is used by a variety of agencies which study and research invasive species. To find out results in your area or to get involved in the program, contact the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or visit www.invadingspecies.com.

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