First-of-its-kind spearfishing course aimed at controlling invasive species in Clear Lake
A new invasive species in Clear Lake has Parks Canada taking steps to prevent damage to the aquatic ecosystem.
The smallmouth bass is a top predator fish that isn’t typically found in Manitoba.
“They can actually do a lot of damage to aquatic ecosystems through predation and competition,” said Michele Nicholson, an aquatic ecologist with Parks Canada. “They’re really aggressive predators, and they can really impact native fish species.”
Four employees of Parks Canada and four members of the Coalition of First Nations recently completed a spearfishing course at Riding Mountain National Park. The course teaches how to dive and resurface safely, as well as proper spear throwing techniques.
The smallmouth bass is a top predator fish that isn’t typically found in Manitoba. (Image Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
Robyn Bone, one of the course participants, says the course challenged her both physically and mentally.
“It’s the mental part of when you are under the water and the fact that it’s hard to breathe,” she says. “And physically, it takes a lot of effort and energy to do what you need to do.”
Four employees of Parks Canada and four members of the Coalition of First Nations recently completed a spearfishing course at Riding Mountain National Park. (Image Source: Parks Canada)
This course is the first of its kind in Canada, as Nicholson says research on spearfishing in freshwater hasn’t been done before.
“Spearfishing has been used a lot for invasive species in the ocean, but not in freshwater,” she says, adding that Clear Lake’s ecosystem makes it ideal for this kind of population management.
“The water here is really clear, where a lot of freshwater lakes are not. Smallmouth bass nest in shallow water, so we don’t have to dive really deep. And male bass when they’re nesting, they hang out in one place on their nest, so we could use spearfishing to go in and get them.”
With the course complete, the work to manage the smallmouth bass population will begin in the coming weeks.
Parks Canada says any boaters coming to Clear Lake need to get an aquatic invasive species inspection at Riding Mountain’s boat launch area before anything goes in the water.
The course teaches how to dive and resurface safely, as well as proper spear throwing techniques. (Image Source: Parks Canada)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
BREAKING Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.