The Lake Simcoe Aquatic Invasive Species Guide
With an area of 722 km2 and inflow from 35 major rivers and streams, Lake Simcoe is an important source of biodiversity for the southern Ontario region. The lake and surrounding watershed, which span across 20 municipalities, are home to a wide variety of aquatic and non-aquatic life, including 75 species of warm and coldwater fish, and many provincially rare species-at-risk.
Increased urban and rural development has resulted in a high degree of human influence on Lake Simcoe and the surrounding watershed, including the introduction of invasive species. In addition to its natural diversity of species, Lake Simcoe has become home to a variety of invasive organisms with wide-ranging effects on the local ecology, economy, and society. This guide illustrates invasive species that are already present or threatening establishment; however, it is not an exhaustive list. Impacts of many non-native species are still unknown, and this guide profiles 14 species that have yet to reach the Lake Simcoe watershed. The actions that you can take (page 4) will help stop the introduction of species like fishhook waterflea, hydrilla, water lettuce, and many more.
The Lake Simcoe Aquatic Invasive Species Guide is designed for recreational users of the lake and its surrounding watershed. Descriptions and photos provided will help you identify these invaders and report sightings. Knowing the distribution of invasive species and detecting any new arrivals is critical for managing and protecting the lake – do your part to help keep Lake Simcoe healthy!
The Guide was prepared by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters with support for development provided by the Ontario Ministry
of Natural Resources and Forestry, and is available in PDF format from Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program.
