Invasive species are draining Canada’s economy; here’s what you can do to help
Up to $35 billion is lost from the Canadian economy each year from the impact of invasive species. Lauren O'Neil explains what invasive species are and what Canadians are encouraged to do to prevent their spread.
They may look harmless — even pretty, sometimes even cute — but invasive species are draining Canada’s economy by as much as $35 billion every year. From choking crops to tearing through timber, they’re putting huge pressure on agriculture, forestry, and fishing.
Not every non-native species is harmful. However, when a plant, insect, or pest threatens human health, the economy, or the environment, it’s considered invasive. Canada has more than 250 federally regulated species, and researchers are tracking over 1,400 others.
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Invasive sea lampreys can be found in the Great Lakes. (Image courtesy: Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
The toll is steep: farmers lose $2.2 billion annually due to crop damage, and invasive insects destroy about $720 million in timber each year.
"Generally speaking, we encourage reporting of any invasive species," says Emily Posturero, Program Development Coordinator at the Invasive Species Centre. "And actually, even if it's common, it can help to report it, because then it helps us know more about the distribution and movement of invasives."
Reporting invasive species is important, but if you spot something unusual, don’t touch it, caution officials. (Image courtesy: Canadian Coast Guard)
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That’s why early reporting is so important.
"You would absolutely want photos, which is really easy to do using your cell phone," explains Posturero. "One website often used is called EDDMapS — the early detection and distribution mapping system. Another commonly used one is iNaturalist, available online or as an app."
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So if you spot something unusual, don’t touch it. Take a photo, mark the location, and report it through EDDMapS, iNaturalist, or your provincial website.
From farms to forests, every report adds up. A quick photo and a few clicks could help protect Canada’s ecosystems — and save billions in the process.