Please accept this comment…

Please accept this comment regarding ERO number 019-3465 regarding the regulation that proposes to regulate 13 invasive species, and watercraft as a carrier of invasive species, under Ontario’s Invasive Species Act, 2015. If implemented, it will classify 13 species as either prohibited or restricted invasive species; make related changes due to the classification of these species; and regulate watercraft as a carrier of invasive species.

I support this regulation, provided that one important change is made. Eurasian watermilfoil must be added to the list of prohibited or restricted species. This change will reflect the recommendation made by many of the respondents to ERO number 019-116, which sought information on invasive species and carriers.

The negative impacts of Eurasian watermilfoil are widely known and well documented. It is clear that the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry recognizes Eurasian watermilfoil’s detrimental effects. The Ministry’s own website lists numerous examples of such effects including reducing biodiversity, killing fish by lowering the oxygen levels in water, and hindering a variety of recreational activities. Other websites note that Eurasian watermilfoil infestations contribute significantly to the eutrophication of lakes, and that it can be dense enough to obstruct industrial and power plant water intakes.

Eurasian watermilfoil is already widespread in the province, resulting in ever-expanding deleterious environmental, social, and economic impacts. These outcomes will only get worse if Eurasian watermilfoil is not designated as a prohibited or restricted species.

The uncontrolled spread and destructive nature of Eurasian watermilfoil have already been recognized by jurisdictions that are taking action to control it. For example, Alberta has partnered with several organizations to study ways to eradicate it. Minnesota’s statutes designate it as a prohibited invasive species.

Why hasn’t Ontario used the opportunity presented by the proposed regulation to take action against Eurasian watermilfoil, too? It is not too late for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to do the right thing by adding Eurasian watermilfoil to the list of prohibited or restricted species.

Thank you for giving these comments your thorough consideration. I look forward to learning of the obvious and prudent outcome: that Eurasian watermilfoil has been added to the list of prohibited or restricted species.