By EarthCare Expert
The City of Greater Sudbury is home to 330 lakes. One of the biggest threats to our lakes is the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species that can easily travel from lake to lake by hitching a ride on recreational boats or float planes not properly decontaminated.
Invasive alien species can pose environmental, social and economic threats by disrupting the natural ecosystem, displacing native species, and make swimming and boating difficult. Invasive species can also include species that are native to parts of Ontario, but have been introduced to a new geographic region due to human activity.
Once an invasive species is established, it can be extremely difficult and costly to control or eradicate.
In an effort to slow the spread of aquatic invasive species, the City of Greater Sudbury has embarked on an Aquatic Invasive Species Strategy. Through the city’s Lake Water Quality Program, and in collaboration with the Greater Sudbury Watershed Alliance, new boat washing signs were designed. Some may have noticed these new signs posted at city-owned boat launches.
Here are tips that can help prevent the spread of invasive species.
Dispose of unused bait on land or freeze or salt your bait for future use.
As a recreational boater, it is important that you take the steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species; INSPECT, CLEAN, DRAIN:
- Before leaving a lake, at the boat launch, inspect your boat, motor and trailer for any signs of visible contamination, such as Eurasian Milfoil.
- Remove as much as you can by hand and put in the garbage. Drain any lake or river water from your boat.
- Pump out or drain water from your bilge pump if you have one. Remove the plug to drain water from your boat and live well. Lower the motor to allow water to drain from the lower unit.
Some aquatic invasive species are difficult to see with the naked eye so you must clean to remove what you cannot see. To clean there are three
- Rinse with hot water greater than 50°Celcius; or
- Clean with a high pressure washer at 250 psi; or
- Leave your boat to dry in the sun for five days.
These tips are especially important to follow when using your recreational boats in multiple areas of the province and then again in Greater Sudbury. Preventing the spread of invasive species is everyone’s responsibility, so do your part when you’re at a boat launch and encourage others to do the same.
Thanks to our EarthCare Sudbury Partners, Conservation Sudbury and the City of Greater Sudbury for their assistance in responding to this question. EarthCare Sudbury is a network of more than 180 local businesses, organizations and agencies that are committed to helping Greater Sudbury become greener, cleaner, healthier and more sustainable.
Find out more about EarthCare Sudbury, our partners and how to get involved by visiting our website at GreaterSudbury.ca/EarthCare or call 311.
Do you have a question about an environmental issue? Ask an EarthCare Expert! Submit your questions online at GreaterSudbury.ca/EarthCare, then watch for this column published in Northern Life or on Sudbury.com for an expert response.
