Invasive Species Centre
“The Invasive Species Centre acts as a hub for meaningful collaborations and works with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the partners of the Asian Carp Canada program to raise awareness about the threats Asian carps pose to our waters. Our partnerships demonstrate our commitment to raising awareness of Asian carps and to educating the public on the potential impacts of Asian carps in the Great Lakes.”
Sarah Rang, Executive Director
“Asian carps, threaten our lakes, streams and rivers by altering habitat and endangering native species. The Invasive Species Centre and the Asian Carp Canada program has a strong focus on preventing Asian carps from landing in our waters, but we can’t do it alone. We need the public to be aware of the threats, learn to identify these fish and know how to report them so we can prevent them from taking hold in our waters.”
Sarah Rang, Executive Director
“If Asian carps established in the Great Lakes not only would they devastate the water quality, wetland vegetation, and outcompete native fishes, they would devastate and threaten the economic prosperity of the fishing industry in the Great Lakes Basin.”
Rebecca D’Orazio, Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
“At Fisheries and Oceans Canada, we recognize the critical importance of early intervention to prevent the establishment of invasive species. Along with our partners within Canada and in the United States we share the responsibility of protecting the biodiversity and habitat of the Great Lakes ecosystems.“
“Cooperatively, the combined efforts of partners are helping to raise awareness of the threats to the Great Lakes posed by the introduction of Asian carps. Together we have achieved numerous successes in the fight against Asian carps and we remain steadfastly committed to our partnerships.“
“Research informs every aspect of DFO’s Asian Carp Program – from risk assessment to surveillance and future control methods. DFO works with partners in academia as well as research scientists within the Department to ensure that our activities and protocols are grounded in the most up to date scientific information.”
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
“One of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s key responsibilities is to protect Ontario’s biodiversity, and that includes protecting our lands and waterways from invasive species such as Asian carp. Bighead, silver, black, and grass carps pose a significant threat to our province’s environment and economy, with the potential to severely impact our $1.75 billion recreational fishing industry. Our government is working in collaboration with our federal and U.S. partners, non-governmental organizations, such as the Invasive Species Centre and the public to prevent the spread of invasive species that can harm the great outdoors we love and enjoy.”
Quote from the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
“The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters understands the threats posed by the invasive Asian carps. Through our Invading Species Awareness Program, we ensure that we are at the forefront of every Asian carps report and that the appropriate information is gathered and communicated to our partners at the provincial and federal levels so that they can respond accordingly.”
“For more than 30 years, the OFAH’s Invading Species Awareness Program has been leading education and outreach efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species that threaten our fishing, hunting, and trapping future.”
Angelo Lombardo, Executive Director
“If Asian carps are allowed to establish in the Great Lakes, this will irreversibly change the way we fish and manage our fisheries in Ontario. Inaction jeopardizes our biodiversity, Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural identities and enormous sustainable economies dependent on healthy fisheries.”
Matt DeMille, Director, Policy & Programs
Our goal is to increase knowledge and awareness of Asian carp species, as well as promote and facilitate early warning and detection for Asian carp species in the Canadian Great Lakes.
If the public suspects they have encountered an Asian carp, or any other invasive species, they should take a photograph and call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or report online at www.eddmaps.org.
Allison Morris, ISAP Coordinator
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
“Through its Coastal Waterfront Monitoring Program, TRCA undertakes annual fish community and habitat monitoring along the Toronto waterfront to track and measure aquatic system health.”
“As a partner of the Asian Carp Canada Program, TRCA monitors for this invasive species to protect and prevent damage to both natural and restored aquatic habitats.”
Rick Portiss, Senior Manager, Aquatic Monitoring and Management
“One of our best defenses against the threat of Asian carp is early detection, which is why it is crucial that the public get involved.”
“TRCA is proud to support Fisheries and Oceans Canada by undertaking public education and outreach to ensure that anglers, outdoor enthusiasts and the general public understand the important role they play in protecting our waters from Asian Carp and other threats.”
Jasmine Thompson, Coordinator, Community Outreach and Education
Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations
Toronto Zoo
“Invasive species are one of the top threats to the integrity of aquatic ecosystems, to the quality of the recreational experience on the water, and to the economic success of rural communities. FOCA is very concerned about the potential impacts of introduced species and the effect they will have on our quality of life in Ontario. “
“Having meaningful partnerships of government agencies and non-government organizations across Ontario working to prevent the spread and introduction of Asian carps significantly increases awareness of this important issue in many parts of Ontario that may not have had access to this messaging previously. These initiatives will have enduring benefit in their respective communities via local efforts and ongoing stewardship.”
“The potential impact of Asian carps in the Great Lakes watershed will result in changing our waters forever,” said Kyla Greenham, Acting Curator of Fishes and Marine Invertebrates, Toronto Zoo. “The Toronto Zoo’s Asian Carp Exhibit is a unique opportunity for everyone to see these fishes, and learn how everyone can contribute to keeping this invasive species out of Canadian waters.”