2025-Jul-29
Canada's Secret War Against Invasive Carp
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is waging a quiet war against invasive carp in the Great Lakes, using electro probes, underwater nets, and traps to detect and remove these destructive fish. The stakes are high, with invasive carp capable of consuming up to 40% of their body weight in aquatic vegetation and insects daily, potentially altering the ecosystem forever.
Invasive carp, particularly grass carp, pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem. If established, they could outcompete native species for food and habitat, causing irreversible damage. The DFO has processed 34 grass carp pulled from Canadian waters since 2012, with 11 capable of reproduction. Wildlife biologists warn that if even one of the four invasive Asian carp species gains a foothold in Canadian waters, it will permanently alter the Great Lakes ecosystem.
DFO crews are working tirelessly to detect and remove invasive fish, while documenting native ecosystems to establish a baseline for comparison. This will allow them to track changes and assess the impact of invasive carp if they become established. The overall goal is to prevent these invasive species from gaining a foothold in Canadian waters, but experts warn that it’s only a matter of time before they arrive.
Learn more about the DFO’s invasive carp program here.
Sponsored by: