New Brunswick Lake’s Greatest Threats
Two invasive species that are a particular threat to New Brunswick waterways are eurasian water-milfoil and blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria):
What is Eurasian Water-Milfoil?
What is Eurasian water-milfoil?
Eurasian water-milfoil is an invasive species that has been discovered in the Saint John River.
Why is it a concern?
The impact of this invasive species on a lake can be severe. It can cause:
Loss of native plant species
Reduced oxygen levels leading to fish death
Thick mats of plants that disrupt swimming and boating
Water stagnation leading to an increase in mosquitoes
What does it look like?
Feather-like green leaves arranged in whorls of 4 around the stem. Whorls are openly spaced on spaghetti like stems, with an average of 24 leaflet pairs per stem. The tip of the plant is reddish and small reddish flowers are visible on top of the water in mid-summer.
What you can do
Anytime you move from one body of water to another, Eurasian water-milfoil can travel with you.
Remove all plants and mud from canoes, kayaks, boats, jet skis, motors & trailers
Drain all water from your boat bottom (including live well, bilge, and motor)
Wash watercraft with high pressure or hot water, or let dry for 5 days
Clean and dry all gear including waders, fishing lines and lures
Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)
What is Blue-Green Algae?
Blue-Green Algae Also known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae is a bacteria naturally found in our water ecosystems. They are not visible unless clumped together to form a bloom, which can happen in warm, sunny, slow moving water, such as lakes. Storm water, agricultural runoff, industrial and wastewater effluent, faulty septic systems and lawn fertilizers dump phosphorus and nitrogen into lakes which then can contribute to algae blooms.
Why is it a concern?
Some types of blue-green algae produce toxins, and the impact of this invasive species on a lake can be extremely serious. Contact can cause:
Death of dogs, animals and aquatic life
Sickness in humans: irritation to eyes, skin and throat; fever, headaches, dizziness, stomach cramps, nausea
Attacks to the liver and nervous system (in severe cases)
Contamination of useable water sources for cottagers and municipalities
What does it look like?
A bloom will look like surface scum or foam and is often blue-green in colour but will sometimes appear red, brown, green, or yellow. Fresh blooms can smell like newly mown grass while older blooms can have a foul smell, like garbage.
What you can do
Report any sighting of blue-green algae to the Department of Environment and Local Government Regional Office here.
People and pets should avoid contact with water if you see a bloom or if there have been sightings of blooms recently
Prevent algae blooms by:
Leaving natural shoreline vegetation
Avoid fertilizers or herbicides (especially near water)
Ensuring your septic tank is well maintained and located far from the shore
Using only phosphate-free household and personal cleaning products
Other Invasive Species
Click on each of the additional invasive plant species below to learn more!*
Floodplain and/or emergent
Floating-Leaf
Submersed
Note: Several of the species presented have not yet impacted New Brunswick’s lakes, but have become problematic in New England states and other parts of the Maritimes. Increasing global trade and travel, as well as climate change, may introduce new organisms in our region - some of which will have considerable ecological, economic, and social impacts.
Boat Inspections
What is a boat inspection?
Before moving any type of watercraft from one body of water to another, it should be cleaned properly.
Why are they important?
Boat inspections are necessary to prevent the spread of invasive species in our waterways.
What equipment should be inspected?
All watercraft and accessories: Boats, trailers, motors, anchors, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, swim fins, scuba gear, etc.
How do you perform a courtesy boat inspection?
Remove all plants, mud and animals from all watercraft and accessories
Drain water from your boat bottom, live well, bilge, and engine away from the water
Wash watercraft with high pressure or hot water, or let dry
Never release plants or animals into a body of water unless they came from that water
While voluntary watercraft inspection is common at some launches, regulations overseeing the removal and proper disposal of debris and organisms is increasing across New Brunswick.
The watercraft inspection program consists of paid and/or volunteer stewards that teach boaters how to inspect their equipment and to properly remove and dispose of aquatic debris.
Resources
Watercourse and wetland alteration permits (WAWAs):
To protect provincial wetlands, a WAWA permit is necessary for anyone looking to do groundwork (construction, demolition, clearing land, landscaping, etc.) within 30 meters of a watercourse or wetland.
Find information about the types of permits here or apply for a permit here.
The Department of Environment and Local Government: To find out more about the role of the Department of Environment and Local Government, look here.
NB LAKE CONFERENCES
5th Annual Lakes Conference: Climate Impacts on Lake Ecology, Saturday, November 5th, 2019.
NBALA welcomed a series of speakers to discuss topics ranging from cyanobacteria to invasive plants, and their impacts on lake ecology. Minister of Department of Environment and Local Government, Jeff Carr (pictured) provided a keynote address on the importance of New Brunswick lakes.
Fellow partners, the New Brunswick Invasive Species Council (pictured), discussed the importance of early detection and preventing the spread of invasive species in our waterways!
In 2011, 2013 and 2017, Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc. hosted the Annual New Brunswick Lakes Conference, which gave individuals and groups the opportunity to share challenges and solutions surrounding lake stewardship in New Brunswick. This legacy has since continued with the most recent Lakes Conference occurring in November of 2019 at the Riverside Resort in Mactaquac.
New Brunswick Council of Invasive Species:
In partnership with the New Brunswick Environmental Network and the Canadian Council of Invasive Species, the NBALA has two official members on the New Brunswick Invasive Species Steering Committee to help strengthen provincial environmental policy around the spread of invasive plants and invasive species in New Brunswick.
The New Brunswick Invasive Species Council (NBISC) is a collaborative initiative formed to address the lack of coordination and understanding associated with invasive species in New Brunswick and across Canada. Their vision is to work together to ensure New Brunswick's environment, economy, and social interests are protected through the prevention and early detection of invasive alien species as well as educating and spreading awareness to surrounding communities.
