Author: Anthony Ricciardi, Professor, Department of Biology & Bieler School of Environment, McGill University

Freshwater ecosystems in Canada and around the world are under siege. Lakes, rivers, ponds and wetlands face many environmental threats, but one that is changing them most rapidly is the spread of invasive non-native species. In recent years, there have been numerous outbreaks of invasive species in Canadian lakes. Zebra mussels continue to spread in Québec and Manitoba. Chinese mystery snails are increasingly found in lakes in eastern Canada. Eurasian watermilfoil has spread to the maritime provinces. Meanwhile, goldfish have become superabundant in small lakes and ponds throughout the country. Far from being isolated cases, these outbreaks are symptoms of…