Our Great Lakes

NEW EXOTICS FOUND IN LAKE SUPERIOR

A team of Canadian researchers from the University of Windsor have added to the list of more than 160 invaders that have found a home in the Great Lakes, with the discovery of five new exotic aquatic species in Lake Superior. The five new species include an amphipod, or freshwater "side swimmer" shrimp, and three new fingernail clams. Included in the list is a tiny mudsnail from New Zealand that can clone itself.

Since the 1800s, scientists have found fish, crustaceans, aquatic plants and species of plankton that have successfully infiltrated the Great Lakes. Most enter the Great Lakes as unintentional passengers in the ballast water of ocean going ships, and the rate at which new species are entering the Great Lakes is increasing. Exotic aquatic species are a major threat to the Great Lakes. They can permanently disrupt the ecosystem's biological integrity. Some, like zebra mussels, can cost millions of dollars each year to control.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Whenever you move your boat from one waterbody to another, aquatic species can come with you. Learn how to identify non-native invasive species, and take steps to eliminate them by hosing down your boat and cleaning your equipment.

To get the latest information and report sightings, call the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources' Invading Species Hotline 1-800-563-7711, or visit their web site: www.mnr.gov.on.ca/fishing/threat.html

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