Presentation by: Francine MacDonald, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Invasive Species and Climate Change
Presentation Overview What are Invasive Species? Implications of Climate Change Some Invasive Species/Climate Threats Update on a New Invader Giant Hogweed Conclusion
Program Background Joint partnership of OFAH and MNR since 1992 Focus on aquatic and terrestrial invasive invertebrates, fish and plants Focus on pathways: recreational boaters, anglers, ATV riders, gardeners, aquarium hobbyists and mountain bikers.
Terms and Definitions* Alien Species (introduced species, non native species) Refers to species introduced outside its normal past or present distribution (e.g. an agricultural crop) Invasive Alien Species Refers to an alien species whose establishment and spread threaten ecosystems, habitats, or species with economic or environmental harm. *Based on definitions from the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
What are Invasive Species? Few predators Out-compete for food and habitat Invasive Species Adaptable Thrive in disturbed systems Reproduce quickly
>1500 invasive alien species documented in Canada Majority of IAS in Canada originate from Europe and North Africa followed by Asia. Costs of just 16 invaders in Canada, were estimated at $13.3 and $34.5 billion per year Coastal regions and borders are where many IAS are first introduced Ecozones, like the boreal forest, host a relatively high concentration of IAS as the habitat is similar to parts of Europe and Asia. Numbers of invasive plant species by ecozone, based on the 162 species for which distribution maps are available (Thormann, 2008).
Threat to Ontario s Biodiversity 2 nd greatest threat to global biodiversity Invasive species are the primary threat to: 25% of Canada's endangered species. 31% of threatened Climate change will exacerbate the effects of invasive species on biodiversity
Invasive Species in Ontario Waters Increasing threat to N.A. s freshwater ecosystems. Extinction rates will occur at rate of 4% per decade. > 180 established in the Great Lakes basin. > 10% have had significant ecological and economical impacts.
Invasive Species in Ontario Forests > 400 non native insects and plant disease in N.A. >90% (448) of Canada s invasive plants are found in Ontario Invasive insects and disease can eliminate entire tree species. Increase risk of wildfires, poor water quality and loss of wildlife habitat
How Do They Get Here? Pathways: The route or progression by which a species is dispersed. Human Pathways: Tourism and Travel Trade Natural Pathways: Wind Water Animals
HOW DO THEY GET HERE? Hitchhikers. oocean going ships oplanes,trains & Automobiles opacking materials Trade ohorticulture o Agriculture oaquariums olive Food Fish Markets
HOW DO THEY SPREAD? RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Boating Travel (Luggage, clothing) Fishing (bait buckets, equipment) ATVs, Mountain bikes etc.
Implications of Climate Change Predictions for the Great Lakes Eco region. Warmer and drier Water levels may drop due to increased evaporation Shorter ice cover Spring will arrive earlier Rivers may flood more frequently
Climate Change Influences on Invasive Species. Multiple stressors...facilitate invasion success Enhance pathways for invasive introductions Change habitats and environmental conditions Increase competition and predatory effects Alter the resilience of native habitats and ecosystems.
Climate Change Invaders.??
Range Expansions of Native Species
Mountain Pine Beetle (68% of mature lodgepole pine killed. 11,000 jobs lost by 2024 in British Columbia). Expected that beetle could spread into boreal forest in central and eastern Canada.
GOOD FISH GONE BAD?? Northern range expansion of warm water fishes via unauthorized introductions
Rock Bass Rock Bass Ambloplites rupestris This graph illustrates how lakes with rock bass have considerably less food for lake trout.
Warming temperatures may also facilitate the expansion of established invaders.
Kudzu The vine that ate the south Leamington, Ontario.
Kudzu Pueraria montana Native to Asia semi-woody perennial vine Member of Pea family alternate host of soybean rust Widespread invader in the Southern U.S. first population in Canada discovered near Leamington Can grow up to 30cm per day Blankets hydro poles, houses, cars, highway signs, other trees
Fish Invasions from within. 1. Many fish species are currently at their northern thermal limit just south of the Great Lakes basin. 2. Connections exist between the Great Lakes and both the Mississippi and Atlantic Coastal basins 3. Mandrak (1989) predicted probability of 38 fishes invading Great Lakes from Mississippi or Atlantic Coastal basins. 4. 19 of 38 species considered to be potential invaders. Mandrak, N. E. 1989. Potential invasion of the Great Lakes by fish species associated with climatic warming. J. Great Lakes Res. 15: 306 316.
Climate change may enhance pathways for successful introductions and establishment.
AQUARIUM PATHWAY: Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana), native to South America. Established in Crowe River watershed in Ontario.
Blue Tilapia found in the Grand River. Pathway: Live Food fish Markets, Aquariums etc. Water Lettuce found at Darlington Provincial Park. Pathway: Water Gardens
Climate change may increase impacts of invasive species already established here.
Common Reed (Phragmites) Increased growth with warmer air temperatures. Round goby Increased spawning activity with increased warmer water temperatures?
What can we do about invasive species and climate change?
What can we do? Prevent the Spread! Boaters: Clean recreational boats when transferring to new waterways. Anglers: Dispose of bait on land. Gardeners: Know what s in your garden. Plant native species or non invasive alternatives. Campers: Burn local firewood. Don t transfer wood from one place to another. ATVs/Mountain Bikes: Stay on the Trail! Regularly clean bikes and trail equipment. Early Detection! Report sightings of potential invasive species to the MNR or the Invading Species Hotline at 1 800 563 7711, or www.invadingspecies.com Participate in monitoring programs. Spread the Word, Not the Species! Share information about invasive species with your friends, family and neighbours.
What can our governments do? 1. Leadership and Coordination: Incorporate climate change considerations to invasive species management. (ie. Invasive Species Action Plan for Ontario) 2. Prevention: Address key pathways with legislation and policy. 3. Risk Assessment: Identify new invasive threats as a result of climate change. 4. Early Detection and Rapid Response: Establish monitoring and surveillance programs for invasive species, and prepare response plans in the event of changing conditions. 5. Management/Control: Evaluate the efficacy of control measures. 6. Research: Identify ecosystem vulnerabilities and improve methods to increase ecosystem resilience
Update on New Invaders
Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum Originally from western Asia Introduced as a garden ornamental. Is a perennial which takes several years from germination to the first flowering stalk. Can grow up to 5m. Can survive in a wide variety of habitats but is most commonly found along roadsides, right of ways, vacant lots, streams and rivers.
Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum Impacts Reproduces by seed. single plant can produce up to 50,000 seeds. The hair on the stems and leaves contain a watery sap which can cause photo-dermatitis. Can cause temporary or permanent blindness following eye contact. Photo by: Jane Churchill
Giant Hogweed What to look for: Purple spotted, hollow green stem. Dark green coarsely toothed leaves can grow up to 1.5m wide. Umbrella shaped cluster of small white flowers.
Asian Carp
Silver Carp >60 1bs >100 1bs Bighead Carp
Eating Machines! >20% of body weight per day!
Produce up to 500 million eggs/year! Fast growth rate! (10 in Year 1)
Range and Spread Can adapt to northern temperate zones SILVER BIGHEAD Currently within striking distance of Great Lakes SILVER Reproduce, develop quickly 1 female = 1-500 million eggs Grow to ~10 in year 1 Tend to jump when startled BIGHEAD (From Mandrak and Cudmore and Kolar et al)
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Contact Us! We Need Your Help! Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Francine MacDonald Invasive Species Program Manager David Copplestone Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach Liaison Hayley Anderson Terrestrial Invasive Species Outreach Liaison John Zoltak GIS Specialist Sophie Bull Invasive Species Outreach Liaison Rachel Gagnon Ontario Invasive Plant Council Coordinator Allyson Brown Education Liaison MNR Biodiversity Section Donna Wales Invasive Species Policy Advisor Jeff Brinsmead Invasive Species Biologist Eric Snyder Invasive Species Biologist www.invadingspecies.com 1 800 563 7711
Thanks to our Partners Federal Partners Invasive Alien Species Partnership Program Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund
Thanks to our Partners Conservation Authorities
Thanks to our Partners! O.F.A.H. Zone A O.F.A.H. Zone B Fort Frances Sportsmen Club Bancroft Fish and Game Club Nipigon Watershed Advisory Council South Kenora Rainy River Stewardship Council Prince Edward County Stewardship Council York Region Stewardship Council
Partnerships Universities
Chronologic Upstream Movement of Asian Carp
Stopping the Spread: Rapid Response December 2009, Barrier IIA down for maintenance 400+ respondents, many agencies and organizations Canada, DFO led, with OMNR, OFAH and Quebec among contributors Results Fish kill successful Confirmed presence of Asian carp in Chicago canal Barrier repaired Operations restored