Invasive Species IPP

What is an Invasive Specie?

Not Native to New Brunswick + Spreads Rapidly + Harmful to all Waterways and Economically to the Region = Invasive Species

Prevention is our first step in fighting invasions. With over 2500 lakes in New Brunswick, protecting our freshwater systems from invasive species is a serious environmental challenge.

Invasive Species are Human Spread and are impacts of Climate Change.

Aquatic Invasive Species such as Eurasian Water Milfoil, Zebra and Quagga Mussels are transported by clinging to boats, in a boats live well, kayak gunnel and paddle systems, trailer and vehicle hitches, wake boat water ballast and even on fishing waders.

Once in a body of water (lake, river and or pond), it is extremely hard and costly if not impossible to remove. There is no hope of eradication. It will only get worse.

Please Take The Clean Drain Dry Pledge to Stop The Spread.

All watercraft must be cleaned when travelling between waterways.

Eurasian Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)

Eurasian - Watermilfoil has slender stems up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) long. The plant is a perennial that grows under the water surface and has feather-like green leaves that circle the stem in groups of four or five. Eurasian - Watermilfoil blooms in late July and early August and has orange/red flowers that are 4–6 mm long. Flowers are produced in the leaf axils on a spike that can be 5–20 cm long, held vertically above the water surface.

It is Human Spread

It spreads rapidly and will overtake a lake within two (2) years.

It is not a threat to human health however it negatively impacts fish populations and reduces human activities and enjoyment such as swimming, boating, waterskiing etc..

Negative economic impact on tourism and can reduce property values up to 25% of value.

The Saint John River is infested with Eurasian Water Milfoil.

Photos below are from boat launches along the Saint John River

Zebra and Quagga Mussels

A new threat to New Brunswick Waterways
Impacts

Zebra Mussels are filter feeders that attach themselves to solid surfaces. They breed very quickly, as females can release up to one million eggs each breeding season. After the eggs are fertilized, larvae (called veligers) emerge and are free-swimming for up to a month. The combination of these factors mean that Zebra Mussels can colonize in densities over 700,000 individuals per m2 on surfaces such as:

boats, docks, rocks, plants and native mussels.

Ecological Impacts

Zebra and quagga mussels filter water to the point where food sources such as plankton are removed, altering food webs. This also causes clearer water, allowing sunlight to penetrate deeper, increasing growth of aquatic vegetation.
Impact fish and wildlife by increasing toxic algal blooms.
Large colonies affect spawning areas, potentially impacting the survival of fish eggs.
Affects recreational activities by cutting swimmers feet as a result of their sharp shell.
Only way to remove from boats is by using a high powered hot water power washer.

Source and further information

Socio-economic impacts

In Canada, Zebra Mussels cause millions of dollars in damage every year by clogging intake structures in power stations and water treatment plants as well as damaging watercrafts. This species of mussels are also very sharp thus a negative human impact.

SOURCE and Further Information and NCC of Canada

"Some water samples taken from the Saint John River, N.B., were analyzed for environmental DNA (eDNA) by DFO over the summer. These samples suggested the presence of Zebra Mussels, notably in the areas of Edmundston, Grand Falls and Nackawic, N.B."

Source Water Canada

Click Photo to Expand

Impact of EWM NBISC

Source: NBISC. Impact of Eurasian Water Milfoil

Proactive or Reactive?

Eurasian Water Milfoil Harvester being used in a New York Lake. Cost of machine approximately $50,000 US. It does not eradicate, it is allowing the homeowner to swim and get their boat from shore into the lake. There are homes now along the Saint River south of Woodstock who are not able to get their power boat from the dock into the river.

https://aquarius-systems.com/tag/milfoil-harvester/

Can You Tell The Difference?

While we speak of Invasive, our many lakes also host native species. Native have minimal impact and are a major component of aquatic food sources.

SLCOA Boat Wash Station

Many of our member lakes are setting up their own boat wash stations.

The What If's

SLCOA used their Bathymetric Map and to show the impact of EWM if their lake became infested. It can grow to heights of 3-4 metres.

Saint John River

This photo represents boat launches along the Saint John River and proximately to our many lakes

EWM Family Tree

Represents how easily EWM can spread. Courtesy of B Glanville

Impact of Zebra and Quake Mussels

Source: New Brunswick Invasive Species Council

EWM Meductic NB Boat Launch

This one colony could on its own take over a lake within two years. All it needs is a 'colony' such as this. The boat owner was not aware of EWM and travels between various NB waterways.

Invasive Species IPP

Zebra and Quagga Mussels A new threat to New Brunswick Waterways Impacts

Ecological Impacts

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Socio-economic impacts

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Click Photo to Expand

Zebra and Quagga Mussels

A new threat to New Brunswick Waterways
Impacts