You are hereExotic species harm our pristine waters
Exotic species harm our pristine waters
Plants and animals which do not occur naturally in an area are referred to as exotic or nonindigenous species. In marine waters, some exotics have been introduced for commercial reasons. Pacific oysters and Manila clams are prime examples of such species on the West Coast. Other, not so welcome exotic species may arrive in the ballast water of foreign ships, on the propeller or hull of recreational boats, through pet stores, research institutions, or with live imported bait or seafood. Imagine your boat has been moored at the marina over the winter and you’re anxious to get out on the water and explore new places. If your boat has fouling on it you may be bringing all these organisms with you and we have found that many of them are exotic to British Columbia. When you arrive in a new place the plants and animals attached to your boat may spread to this area. Suddenly, the ecosystem you’ve traveled so far to see has been altered. You won’t see the effects immediately or even in the next year but these exotic animals may become established in this place and change it beyond recognition. Some exotic species may come into a new area and increase in numbers to such an extent that they affect the native communities, we call these species "invasive". Some invaders, like clubbed tunicate or violet tunicate, can outcompete local species for space or food while others, like European green crab (pictured in the photo above), are predators that eat local species. Through these interactions, an invader may cause the disappearance of native plants and animals from the area. Exotic species seem to have a special affinity for manmade structures so they can become problems in areas like harbours, marinas, ports, and aquaculture farms. These manmade areas may also become a source of exotic species from which they spread to other, more natural parts of British Columbia. Help us protect BC's biodiversity by stopping the spread of exotic species! What you can do… For more information on how to identify exotic species, check out these resources. DFO’s Invasive Species Information page http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/Species/shellfishID_e.htm#AQUATIC_INVASIVE_SPECIES The BC Shellfish Growers Association Aquatic Invasive Species Interpretive Guide
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