ONTARIO-Ontario says it is prohibiting and restricting 10 new non-native species under the Invasive Species Act to help prevent and reduce their spread to protect Ontario’s economy and biodiversity. Ontario has the highest number of invasive species in Canada. Once established, invasive species can harm the natural environment and are extremely difficult and costly to control or eradicate.
“Invasive species damage our ecosystems, impact our ability to enjoy outdoor activities and harm our economy by threatening the forestry and agriculture sectors,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “That’s why we are taking action to restrict these invasive species to protect Ontario’s economy and ecosystems.”
Examples of new species that will now be prohibited include certain fish, aquatic plants and invertebrates. Restrictions will also be placed on groups of new aquatic and terrestrial plants. The full list of the new prohibited and restricted invasive species can be found here.
“The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and its Invading Species Awareness Program are pleased to see the addition of 10 new prohibited and restricted species under the Invasive Species Act. With over 30 years of collaboration with the province, we will continue to support their goals of preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species in Ontario.” said Angelo Lombardo, Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters in Peterborough.
In addition, the government has initiated consultation to renew the Ontario Invasives Species Strategic Plan to address the evolving and increasing threat of invasive species in Ontario.
The Invasive Species Act, 2015 currently lists 42 species, four groups, one family and two carriers. The Act provides legislative tools to prohibit and restrict certain invasive species, as well as carriers that facilitate the movement of invasive species.
In 2019, the Invasive Species Centre estimated that the potential impacts of invasive species on agriculture, fisheries, forestry, healthcare, tourism and the recreation industry may be as high as $3.6 billion per year in Ontario.
