Invading Species Awareness Program

Keep an eye out for invasive Grass Carp while on the water this summer. These fish are often mis-identified, so knowing the key identification features can make all the difference. Swipe through to compare Grass Carp with some common look-alikes. 🎣

Key features:
• Large scales with a cross-hatched appearance
• Short rounded dorsal fin
• Mouth with no barbels (“whiskers”)
• Eyes positioned in the middle of head
• Usually olive-brown to grey in colour

If you see a Grass Carp, take photos, note your location, and call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711.

For more information on Grass Carp, visit https://www.invadingspecies.com/invaders/fish/invasive-carps/

❗️Don't dump your bait!❗️

Check out the post below to learn how improper bait disposal can contribute to the spread of invasive species, including the prohibited red swamp crayfish.

OFAH Membership The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters has a passion for conservation and the traditions of fishing and hunting.

Introducing the Quinte Conservation Hit Squad team!

Stay vigilant for Grass Carp while on the water this summer. If you think you've encountered a Grass Carp, take pictures, note your location, and call the Invading Species Hotline immediately at 1-800-563-7711.

Early detection matters! Recently, a grass carp was captured in Ontario’s Grand River during routine surveillance by our Invasive Carp Program.

Quick action was taken, and testing at our laboratory in Burlington, Ontario confirmed it was a sterile male, meaning it cannot reproduce.

Grass carp is one of four species of invasive carps that threaten aquatic ecosystems in the Great Lakes. Because these species are not established in Canadian waters, early detection is critical, and your awareness and reports make a difference!

🔎 Wondering how to identify grass carp? Look for:
- Eyes in line with mouth
- Large, dark-edged scales
- Long, slender, torpedo-like body
- Short dorsal fin, no spines on pectoral and a**l fins
- No barbels (whiskers at the corners of the mouth)

Learn more: https://ow.ly/HKQb50Z9Sii

🚨Think you’ve spotted a grass carp or another aquatic invasive species? Let us know: https://ow.ly/fY7h50Z9YSP