Researchers from the University of Waterloo have made a startling discovery in the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area of Ontario – the presence of the highly invasive aquatic plant, Hydrilla verticillata (hydrilla), for the first time in Canada. This finding raises concerns about the potential damage this species can inflict on the local ecosystem and recreational activities.
The Threat of Hydrilla
Found only recently in Canada, hydrilla is one of the most invasive species in North America. This species of waterweed is particularly well known because it can grow so quickly, thereby smothering entire wetlands at the expense of other plant and animal life.
Hydrilla has implications other than simply ecological. It can also be problematic for recreation as the plant has been known to get caught in boat motors, clog water-intake pipes, and pose hazards to swimmers and paddlers by inhibiting swimming or paddling opportunities in Ontario’s gorgeous lakes and wetlands. Such invasions can disrupt the complex ecology of the region and deny residents the use of this irreplaceable natural heritage.
RACE TO MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOAL ZERO Eradication Efforts
After identifying hydrilla in the Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, researchers led by Dr. Rebecca Rooney, a biologist at the University of Waterloo, are now hoping to wipe out the invasive plant before it spreads more widely. Fortunately, hydrilla has been found in an isolated area away from the lake and other wetlands giving the team a window of opportunity to act.
But getting rid of it once again is not a small feat. Rooney and her field team intend to use a combination of tactics, including approved herbicides and dredging, to clear the hydrilla from the area. These are not currently in place to practice, whether the infestation of the species is discovered elsewhere in the province or a Township monitoring is indeed relevant on part of an inclusive removal plan given traceback to other parts of the province or even country.
Rooney points out that the race against time is on because there comes a tipping point with invasive species where the goal shifts from eradication to containment. Once an invasion gains a foothold, managing them is hugely expensive and diverts resources away from other high-priority conservation action initiatives such as climate change mitigation and biodiversity-promoted habitat.
Conclusion
The invasive hydrilla. Found in Canada’s Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, is a prime example of why we must continue to fight non-native species. University of Waterloo researchers are fighting to eliminate the threat before it becomes established and puts both the local ecosystem and recreational experiences at risk. Their efforts to standardize removal and educate the public about the benefits of Clean, Drain, Dry will be critical in stopping hydrilla from taking over more water bodies throughout Ontario and sustaining our province’s aquatic ecosystems for residents to enjoy for generations.
