1. Aquatic Invasive Species
…of the Thompson / Shuswap Region

2. What we will cover.. Overview of invasive fish species
Impacts of invasive species
Distribution of invasive species
Options for rectifying invasive species

3. What is a “Spiny Ray”?
A freshwater spiny ray fish’s dorsal fin contains a series of spines

4. What are invasive species?
In the Thompson/Shuswap region aquatic (fish) invasive species are:
Spiny Ray Fishes:
Smallmouth & Largemouth Bass
Yellow Perch
Pumpkinseed

5. Where are they now? Found in 9 Shuswap/Thompson region lakes
Skmana/Little Skmana
Skimikin
Gardom
Phillips
Nellies
Forest
Miller
Fleming

6. What are the impacts? Minor species interactions Disease Predation
Disturbance of food chain & habitat
Parasitism
Extinction of native species

7. Why should we care? Invasive fish species threaten:
Trout
Salmon
Whitefish
Char
Invasive species disrupt entire ecosystems
Invasive species can cause economic hardship
Invasive Species can lead to fishery closures
Invasive species can lead to extinction of local/native species

8. What are some options? Option 1: Biological Controls
Diseases affecting the invasive species
Biological (sterilization) control agents
Pheromone trapping
Predator introduction

9. What are some options? Option 2: Physical Controls Nets and traps
Containment barriers
Explosives
Electrical devices
Draining lakes or streams

10. What are some options? Option 3: Chemical Controls
Introduction of target chemicals
Rotenone is most well known for fish targeting
Natural fish toxin derived from plants
Used since mid 1600’s
First used in BC in 1947
Low toxicity to birds and mammals
Easily dispersed
Allows systems to be “restarted”

11. What else are we doing? Public education / community input
Offering a reward for information
Lake treatments
Monitoring programs
Inventory/assessment

12. What can you do? Transporting invasive species is illegal
Report suspicious activities to:
RAPP:
Report invasive species sightings
Educate yourself