When you leave a body of water:

• Remove any visible mud, plant parts, or other aquatic organisms before transporting equipment.
• Drain water from equipment before transporting.
  (motors, bilges, and transom wells)
• Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water.
  (boats, trailers, anchors, fishing gear, boots, waders, dogs, etc.)
• Never release plants, fish, or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water.
• Do not use parts of fish caught in one water body as bait elsewhere.

In addition:

Examples of harmful alien species spreading in B.C.'s aquatic ecosystems:

The Province is committed to protecting B.C.’s native fish and their habitats from Aquatic Alien Invaders. In addition, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. and the Habitat Conservation Trust Fu n d have taken the lead in raising awareness and preventing the introduction and spread of alien species in B.C. waters.

A video/DVD entitled “Stop the Alien Aquatic Invaders” is available through the HCTF (1-800-387-9853).

B.C.’s lakes and streams are home to over 80 species of freshwater or sea-run wild native fish, many of which support an impressive array of recreation angling opportunities for which the province is world-renowned. Our freshwaters are also home to non-native fish species that have been stocked in waters across the province to create and augment existing fisheries. Although some of these species have become established in areas where they were intentionally stocked, we are now seeing an expansion of non-native fish species into regions were they previously were not found. In particular, the southern and interior regions of B.C. have reported new occurrences of koi, carp, brown bullhead, yellow perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish and northern pike. The unauthorized introduction of any non-native fish species poses a threat to B.C.’s wild and stocked fisheries. Live fish should not be introduced into any natural waters by anyone other than the fisheries agencies, especially in waterways with connections to other systems that allow fish to expand their range. While non-native species support important recreational fisheries in intended areas, the uncontrolled expansion of non-authorized species in B.C. may be at the expense of our other high-value fisheries. The impact may be irreversible in many cases and once a species becomes established may be impossible to eradicate.

Ministry Response

You Can Help!

Northern Pike (Illegally Introduced Alien in Southern B.C.)

Eurasian watermilfoil and other non-native aquatic plants can create aquatic, environmental and economic problems in our waters.

Important:

Aquatic organisms can be accidentally moved from water body to water body. Undesirable species, parasites and diseases can upset the delicate balance of ecosystems and cause irreversible damage to native fish populations and valuable sport fisheries. Whirling Disease is caused by a parasite which attacks and kills trout. It is the suspected cause of recent trout population declines in Montana. Whirling Disease is not yet detected in B.C.

How you can help:

• Remove mud and plants from all of your gear before leaving your fishing site.
• Drain all water on site and dry your boat and fishing equipment between locations.
• Leave live fish, plants and other aquatic animals where you found them.

Whirling Disease thrives in polluted and damaged habitats. So let's not forget the bigger picture. Get involved locally in protecting fish habitat. To obtain a fact sheet about Whirling Disease, call 1-800-387-9853