Concerns about the devastating impacts that non-native species can have on our environment are the focus of National Wildlife Week this year.
Minister of Environment Chester Gillan said this year's theme, "Native Species, Nature's Choice," highlights an important issue for Prince Edward Island. Also known as alien or exotic, non-native species are animals and plants that are outside their natural home range. In PEI, species introduced in the past have included the striped skunk, raccoon, rainbow trout, Hungarian partridge and sharp-tailed grouse. While some of these introductions have provided a recreational opportunity to Islanders, others have become a nuisance. Worse still, some non-native species can overrun new territory, force native species out of their habitats and wreak havoc on ecosystems.
"Just since 1997, we have seen three new aquatic species invade PEI waters – the green crab, oyster thief and clubbed tunicate. These species pose a serious threat to our fishery," said Minister Gillan. "Meanwhile, on land, we have seen exotic plant species such as purple loosestrife choke out native plants, while others such as tansey ragwort have invaded pastures in some areas and are toxic to livestock. Both of these plants have been in the province for a number of years."
Minister Gillan said National Wildlife Week, being celebrated April 6-12, is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of conserving Prince Edward Island's native plants and animals and curbing the invasion of alien species. There are numerous ways Islanders can help do that, he added, such as washing boats and any other water equipment before moving them from one body of water to another and never bringing non-native plants or animals into the province.
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has once again provided National Wildlife Week kits to more than 700 Island teachers for use in the classroom. Through the Wildlife Week kit, students will learn how invasive species are introduced and spread, their impacts on native species, and how to help protect against this threat.
"National Wildlife Week provides a wonderful opportunity to teach our younger citizens about the beauty of our native plants and animals in Prince Edward Island and the importance of protecting these resources," said Minister Gillan. "Teachers play an invaluable role in spreading this important message."
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, in cooperation with the PEI Wildlife Federation, is also sponsoring a poster contest for elementary school students on the National Wildlife Week theme. Cash prizes will be awarded at the school level, and Island Nature Trust is providing the grand prizes – participation in the Adopt-an-Eagle program for the winners' school class.
For more information on National Wildlife Week or invasive species, contact the department at (902) 368-4683.
BACKGROUNDER
What are non-native and invasive species?
Also known as alien and exotic, non-native species are animals and plants that are outside their natural home range. That may be as a result of an intentional introduction. This is the case with many non-native species that were introduced to PEI in the past, such as the striped skunk, raccoon, rainbow trout, Hungarian partridge and sharp-tailed grouse. They were all introduced for economic or recreational opportunities. In other cases, such as the coyote and green crab, non-native species arrived in PEI as a result of a natural expansion of their range. More recently, species such as clubbed tunicate and purple loosestrife have been accidentally introduced. Some non-native species can pose a serious threat, overrunning new territory, forcing native species out of their habitats, and wreaking havoc on ecosystems. Any non-native species that lives and grows where it is unwelcome and represents a nuisance is considered invasive.
How did invasive species get here?
Exotic species reach new environments in many ways, but people usually play a part in their passage – sometimes accidentally, sometimes intentionally. These alien highways and byways include:
• Shipping - The greatest source of invasive species is ballast water taken on ships for stability and later dumped into harbours worldwide. Other plants and animals arrive as stowaways hidden in cargo on ships, trains, and trucks.
• Recreation - Plants and animals often hitch rides on watercraft, mountain bikes, all-terrain vehicles, hiking boots, and fishing gear.
• Garbage Dumping - Floating human-made rubbish provides mobile homes for marine life like barnacles, worms, and mollusks, to cross the ocean to distant shores.
• Domestic Animals - The release of unwanted aquarium pets has introduced many exotic species into the wild.
• Gardening and Agriculture - The escape of cultivated plants from gardens and croplands to wetlands, grasslands, and roadsides is a common vehicle for alien invaders, such as purple loosestrife and garlic mustard, which now cover millions of hectares all across Canada.
• Natural Pathways - Wind, water, and wildlife can advance the spread of exotic plants and animals.
• Intentional Releases - European starlings and house sparrows let loose in New York City's Central Park now blanket the western hemisphere. Brown trout and carp introduced from Eurasia now flourish in North American waters.
• Canal Construction - Artificial waterways have allowed the sea lamprey, an eel-like fish from the Atlantic Ocean, to cross natural barriers and invade the Great Lakes.
How can you help?
Canadian and international scientists support a strategy called the restoration cycle. This ongoing process consists of preventing the introduction and spread of exotic species; monitoring their presence; controlling or eliminating them; and restoring native wildlife and habitat. Here are some ways in which Islanders can help:
- Don't be a carrier. Wash your boat and any other water equipment before moving it from one body of water to another and check to ensure you are not transporting non-native species on camping gear or in trucks or campers.
- Never release aquarium species into the wild.
- If you are traveling, never bring home exotic plants or animals.
- Don't dump bait fish overboard.
- Become a volunteer with your local Wildlife Federation or other naturalist/ environment club.
- Call the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment if you see invasive species.
Celebrate National Wildlife Week in your community and learn everything there is to know about invasive species.