Ontario Prohibits Various Species of Lobster-Like Organisms with Eco-Destructive Potential
Ontario Strengthens Measures Against Invasive Species, Adds Ten New Flora and Fauna to Invasive Species Act in 2024
The updated list of prohibited and restricted species encompasses diverse forms of life, ranging from large rat-like creatures to various crayfish genera closely resembling lobsters. Notably, the Procambarus genus, comprising 161 known species, and the Pacifastacus genus, housing four living species, are now officially banned for import, possession, deposition, release, transport, propagation, purchase, sale, lease, or trade, effective January 1, 2024.
Some invasive crayfish species have already infiltrated Ontario’s lakes, rivers, and streams, creating competition for food resources and posing a threat to native species by potentially displacing and eliminating established populations.
Before the recent additions at the beginning of the year, certain crayfish species were already prohibited in the province. Among them, the most problematic has been the rusty crayfish, whose swift reproductive rates have already led to challenges in Ontario’s lakes and waterways.
In a more recent development, the Marbled Crayfish, belonging to the broader Procambarus genus, has been banned statewide since January 1. This mutant species stands out as particularly menacing, primarily due to its unique ability for asexual self-replication. This distinctive trait led to its specific inclusion in the Invasive Species Act in 2022.
Invasive species, as a whole, were estimated to result in up to $3.6 billion annually in impacts on agriculture, fisheries, forestry, healthcare, tourism, and the recreation industry, as reported by the Invasive Species Centre in 2019.
The recent prohibitions have garnered approval from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and its Invading Species Awareness Program.
Angelo Lombardo, Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, expresses satisfaction, stating that the federation and its invasive species program “welcome the inclusion of 10 new species on the prohibited and restricted list under the Invasive Species Act.”
With the addition of these latest species, a total of 42 are now listed under Ontario’s Invasive Species Act, surpassing the count in any other province in the country.
