Invasive Species Awareness
In addition to restoring waterways here on the island, Manitoulin Streams also partners with the Ontario Federation of Hunters and Anglers (OFAH) to bring awareness as well as to assist in mitigating the effects of invasive aquatic and terrestrial species here on the island.
Invading species are one of the greatest threats to the biodiversity of Ontario’s waters and woodlands. Originating from other regions of the world, and in the absence of their natural predators or controls, invading species can have devastating effects on native species, habitats and ecosystems. (www.invadingspecies.com)
In 1992, the OFAH, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, established the Invading Species Awareness Program in order to address the increasing threats posed by invading species in Ontario. The objectives of the Invading Species Awareness Program are to generate education and awareness of aquatic and terrestrial invading species, address key pathways contributing to invading species introductions and spread, and facilitate monitoring and tracking initiatives for the spread of new invaders found within Ontario.(www.invadingspecies.com)
Each summer the OFAH provides Manitoulin Stream's with funding to hire a summer student as an Invasive Species Liaison. The student provides educational awareness about invasive species at community events throughout the summer to protect our beautiful island. In addition the students also assists in all stream restoration activities.
Invading species are one of the greatest threats to the biodiversity of Ontario’s waters and woodlands. Originating from other regions of the world, and in the absence of their natural predators or controls, invading species can have devastating effects on native species, habitats and ecosystems. (www.invadingspecies.com)
In 1992, the OFAH, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, established the Invading Species Awareness Program in order to address the increasing threats posed by invading species in Ontario. The objectives of the Invading Species Awareness Program are to generate education and awareness of aquatic and terrestrial invading species, address key pathways contributing to invading species introductions and spread, and facilitate monitoring and tracking initiatives for the spread of new invaders found within Ontario.(www.invadingspecies.com)
Each summer the OFAH provides Manitoulin Stream's with funding to hire a summer student as an Invasive Species Liaison. The student provides educational awareness about invasive species at community events throughout the summer to protect our beautiful island. In addition the students also assists in all stream restoration activities.
Species Reported on the Island
Below you can find an application which shows where invasive species have been reported and recorded here on the island. Do your part and report any species by using the EDDMaps Ontario app on your device or calling the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 and "let's keep our lakes great"!
Invasive Species of Local Concern
Manitoulin Island is home to a rich diversity of aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal species. It contains many different types of ecosystems across the island from wetlands to grassland valleys to limestone alvars. Over time certain invasive species have arrived on the island, causing great concern for the native species and their habitats. There are a number of invasive species of local concern which Streams educates about. A tentative list of such species can be found below. Please click on each species to learn more about the specifics of the species as well as possible actions which can be taken to attempt to deal with the species here on the island.
You can help.
Being able to properly identify invasive species near you is the start. Research what invasive species live by you, you can use EDDMaps to see what other people have found in your area. Once you can appropriately identify them there are certain species that you can treat yourself. Check out this link below to discover safe and effective ways you can treat invasive species in your waters, gardens, and cottages.
