Tree-of-heaven (left) and Eurasian water-milfoil (right)
Media Release from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
TORONTO – Ontario 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.
“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.
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.
Quick Facts
- Ontario invested more than $5 million in 2023-24 to support ongoing research, monitoring, and management of invasive species through programs and education across the province.
- 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.
- 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.
- In 2019, the Invasive Species Centre estimated that the potential impacts of invasive species to agricultural, fisheries, forestry, healthcare, tourism and the recreation industry may be as high as $3.6 billion per year in Ontario.
Quotes
“Invasive species are one of the most significant threats to biodiversity and a major concern to Ontario’s natural ecosystems. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is pleased to see the designation of these additional species under the Invasive Species Act. Included in the list of newly designated species are several that are not known to currently exist in Canada but are a considerable risk to our natural ecosystems if introduced.”
– Kyle Borrowman
NCC’s Director of Habitat Restoration in Ontario
“The Invasive Species Centre supports the regulation of these invasive species. This action will help protect Ontario’s lakes, lands and forests from these species and avoid future ecological and economic costs.”
– Sarah Rang
Executive Director of the Invasive Species Centre
“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.”
– Angelo Lombardo
Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Additional Resources
Posted Dec. 11, 2023
