Not all fish are friends: Ontario invests in invasive species prevention

The round goby originates in the Caspian Sea and is thought to have arrived in North America via the bilge of a ship moving into the Great Lakes. The fish was first reported in the Great Lakes in 1990, when one was found in the St. Clair River. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS / Douglas Tesner)

As cute as the round goby fish may be, the harsh reality is they live in Ontario at the cost of local fish species.

According to the government of Ontario, the round goby hails from the Black and Caspian seas in eastern Europe; it was first found in Ontario waters in 1990.

There are over 440 invasive species in Ontario, according to the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSCRA).

As the same suggests, invasive species are non-native species of wildlife that invade a new area and establish themselves, often at the cost of territory and the food resources of local wildlife.

On Monday, the government of Ontario announced a $2 million investment into stopping the spread of harmful invasive species in places like Lake Simcoe.

In total, the money will be split between 112 different communities.

“Lake Simcoe is one of the jewels of our region, and protecting it means taking action against invasive species before they cause lasting damage to our ecosystem, local economy, and recreational opportunities,” said Andrea Khanjin, Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie-Innisfil.

Water soldier is an example of one of the many invasive plant species that grow in Lake Simcoe. It creates dense mats that push out local foliage.

The plant is also serrated, posing a potential threat of cuts and scrapes for swimmers, human or otherwise.

The Invasive Species Centre (ISC) has trained dogs to sniff for the plant on people’s boats.

“It’s very easy for it to hitch a ride and go from one lake to the other,” said Lauren Rogers, of the ISC.

According to the provincial government, Ontario has the highest number of invasive species compared to the rest of the country’s provinces.

Invasive species are the leading cause of biodiversity loss in Ontario, the government says.

The ISC’s executive director, Colin Cassin, says invasive species cost Ontario’s economy $3.6 billion each year across sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, healthcare, and tourism.

“Invasive species have forced productivity losses through pests like emerald ash borer that people might be familiar with and invasive grasses like phragmites,” Cassin says.

A large portion of Innisfil is located on the western side of Lake Simcoe, according to Mayor Lynn Dollin.

“It is enjoyed year-round as a great spot to boat, swim, fish, and simply enjoy the water,” Dollin adds.

In speaking to CTV News, Dolin also emphasizes the importance of educating the public about invasive species in the area.

“Protecting Lake Simcoe has always been a priority so that it can be sustainable for residents and visitors alike,” she says.

This latest investment from the province is part of a larger, $16 million investment over three years to fight the spread of invasive species, dating back to 2024.

This article was written with files from CTV News’s Jack Morse.