Did you know? Compared to other provinces, Ontario has the highest number of invasive plant species, with 441. This can be compared to Quebec, with 395; and British Columbia, with 368. The lowest numbers are in Nunavut, with 16 species (cFia, 2008). In Ontario, there are rules to prevent and control the spread of invasive species in the natural environment. On November 3, 2016 the Invasive Species Act, 2015 (ISA) came into effect in Ontario and with it is a regulation that prohibits and restricts a number of invasive species, such as Asian carp and Phragmites. Preventing invasive species from arriving and becoming established in Ontario is critical in the fight against this growing threat. There are two classifications of invasive species regulated under the ISA: • Prohibited: No person shall bring an invasive species into Ontario, deposit, release, possess, transport, propagate, buy, sell, lease or trade these species. • Restricted: No person shall bring an invasive species into Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves; or deposit or release in Ontario. • Additional prohibitions may be applied through regulation Impacts of invasive species in Ontario Invasive species pose a significant threat to Ontario’s economy and natural environment. Invasive species negatively affect the habitats they invade, displacing native species and causing a serious threat to biodiversity. Aquatic ecosystems are especially vulnerable to invasive species. Once established in an aquatic ecosystem, an invasive species is almost impossible to eliminate and control measures can be costly. As a waterfront property owner, you are part of the ever changing environment and the threats and challenges it faces. You may have certain aspects of your property that you value, whether it be swimmable/ fishable water, supporting wildlife or just enjoying nature. Unfortunately, invasive species can affect all of this in various ways: Ontario is at Higher Risk for Invasive Species Introduction Historically, Ontario has had more non-native species establish within its borders than any other province or territory. This is due to our environmental conditions and the nature of our society that supports non-native species movement. Ontario is industrialized, urbanized and has a high population density. Our economy is supported by large quantities of imports and a significant goods-producing industry sector. Ontario’s geographic location also makes it more vulnerable due to the proximity to a major international shipping channel, the great lakes St. Lawrence Seaway, and multiple land and water entry points on Ontario’s borders. Degraded habitat and ecosystems in many of Ontario’s ecological regions also create favorable conditions for invasive species to enter and become established (OMNRF, 2012). Ontario’s Economy Ontario has a large and increasing population that supports an active and growing economy. Compared to any other province and territory, Ontario imports the most goods from the most places around the world, and many of these goods are shipped onward to other parts of Canada. This activity brings with it benefits and risks. Increased cross border trading increases the chance of inadvertently introducing an invasive species. Invasive species may hide in packaging, in containers on ships, or in ballast water. It is worth noting that approximately 64% of the overseas containers that arrive in Canada are opened in the Ontario portion of the Great Lakes basin (OMNRF, 2012). Invasive Species in Ontario Ontario’s Invasive Species Act 03 02 Round goby: D. Copplestone Did you know? Early detection and response can increase the chance of eradication and reduce the cost of control and management. If you’ve seen an invasive species in your community, or the wild, please report it online at eddmaps.org/ ontario or contact the toll free Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711.