Today’s post comes from our friends at the Invasive Species Centre.
Ontario is home to wonderful lakes, rivers and streams. Unfortunately, some of these waterways are home to aquatic invasive species such as Zebra or Quagga Mussels.
These species can be spread from one waterbody to another through watercraft that have not been properly cleaned, drained and dried between uses.
The microscopic forms of these mussels, called veligers, can survive in a watercraft’s standing water for weeks. If this standing water mixes with water in the waterbody you are boating on, that waterbody may potentially become infested.
There are four simple steps to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases:
Clean
Clean and inspect your watercraft, trailer and gear. Remove all mud, sand, and plant materials before leaving the shore. Rinse, scrub or pressure wash your boat, kayak, stand up paddleboard, or canoe away from storm drains, ditches or waterways.
Drain
On land, before leaving the waterbody, drain all water from: bait buckets, ballasts, bilges, coolers, internal compartments, livewells, and non-motorized watercraft by inverting or tilting the watercraft, opening compartments and removing seats if necessary.
Dry
Dry the watercraft and gear completely between trips and allow the wet areas of your boat to air dry and leave compartments open and sponge out standing water.
Bait responsibly!
As of January 1, 2022, Ontario has implemented baitfish rules to protect our lakes and rivers from harmful invasive species. This work includes establishing new Bait Management Zones. You are permitted to use baitfish and leeches from within the zone where you are fishing.
If you are fishing outside the zone where you live:
- Purchase baitfish and leeches locally
- Keep a legible receipt
- Properly dispose of unused bait within two weeks
Do not transport baitfish and leeches between zones!
In some areas of Ontario, you cannot use or possess live bait of any kind. To check the rules in your planned fishing area, read the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary.