The Invasive Species Centre, through the Asian Carp Canada program, brought together a panel of experts to discuss the threat of Asian carps and the measures being taken to keep these invasive species out of our Great Lakes. The event specifically focused on Grass Carp, one of the four species of Asian carps and the most immediate threat to the Great Lakes.
Featuring a presentation from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and a panel of experts with representatives from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Invasive Species Centre and more, the Asian Carp Information Session, held at the Windsor Yacht Club, attracted boaters, fishers and Great Lakes enthusiasts from across the community. Attendees learned about the environmental and economic risks of Asian carps and the efforts in place to monitor and respond to them.
Asian carps’ refer to four species of carps (Bighead, Black, Grass, and Silver) that are native to China and southern Russia. While not considered established in Canada, all four species have escaped into the wild in the United States and have established self-sustaining populations, particularly in the Mississippi River watershed. There is immediate risk for Grass Carp to become established within the waters of the Great Lakes.
