Aquatic invasive species

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native fish, plants, insects, and pathogens introduced to lakes and rivers that live at or below the surface of the water, which cause significant harm.

How humans spread AIS

Humans can spread AIS quickly in many ways. Key pathways that affect the park include:

natural fishing bait, live or dead and bait bucket water
watercraft (e.g., canoes, kayaks and associated gear like paddles and lifejackets)
beach toys
boat trailers
pet releases

How AIS impact us

AIS can badly harm underwater ecosystems, the economy and society. In Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park and the surrounding area, this could mean:

The collapse of and changes in inland lake and river environments, like the:

disruption of food chains, outcompeting native species like Brook Trout, Hill’s Pondweed (a species at risk), and aquatic insects, like Mayflies, that are an important food source
increased likelihood of toxic algae blooms, leading to a significant decline in water quality and lake and river health
spread of diseases, such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia, which can cause large fish die-offs

Economic losses, including:

lower lakefront property values and higher maintenance costs along affected shorelines
Human health risks caused by toxic algae blooms and poor water-quality

How you can take action

Follow these actions to protect the park from invasive species:

No natural fishing bait
- Using natural fishing bait, whether live or dead, including the possible water it's in, can mistakenly introduce invasive fish, insects, and diseases that will damage our protected lakes and rivers.
Use the Boat Wash Station
- Any vessels brought into the park at either Cyprus or Emmett Lake must be washed at the Cyprus Lake Office boat wash station
Stop aquatic hitchhikers. Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft, paddleboard, canoe, toys, paddles, lifejackets and any other gear before and after use:

clean mud, sand, plant or animal parts from all items before leaving the shore
drain all water from watercrafts, trailers, and gear like coolers or buckets on land
invert or tilt items, open all compartments, pull drain plugs

dry items completely before entering any river, pond, lake or stream

Don’t let it loose!

for the safety of the land and the health of local ecosystems, it is illegal to release plants and animals into any Parks Canada site

Boat wash stations can be found near the Cyprus Lake Campground office.

How Parks Canada is taking action:

provides active education and outreach on the risks of AIS and what prevention is needed to protect aquatic habitats
provides a mandatory boat wash station for incoming vessels
collaborates with local and regional organisations on research, prevention, and management of invasive species

We need your help: Report sightings

Help monitor for invasive species during your visit! You can report any unusual insects, plants, or fungi by taking a photo and uploading it with the location to iNaturalist. Parks Canada staff and other organisations review these submissions regularly, so your help is valued and important!