Ontario is taking action to stop the spread of invasive species

Invasive species are recognized as one of the key threats to Ontario’s biodiversity and are a significant threat to the province’s economy. Once established, invasive species are extremely difficult and costly to control. The combined potential impacts of invasive species on agriculture, fisheries, forestry, healthcare, tourism and the recreation industry are estimated to be approximately $3.6 billion per year in Ontario.

Ontario is strengthening its efforts to prevent the establishment and spread of invasive species by regulating 13 species, including wild pigs, and watercraft as a carrier of invasive species under the Invasive Species Act.

Wild pigs are not native to Ontario and can cause severe damage to the natural environment and agriculture industry. To prevent the establishment of wild pigs in Ontario, we have prohibited the release of any pig into the natural environment, have made hunting of wild pigs illegal, and we are phasing out farming of Eurasian wild boar and their hybrids over a two-year period.

The movement of boats between waterbodies is a well-known pathway to spread invasive species. To help reduce the spread of invasive species, boaters are now required to take reasonable precautions to remove all plants, animals and algae and remove drain plugs to allow water to drain from boats before transporting it overland.

These new regulations will help to prevent the further introduction or spread of invasive species in Ontario, protecting our natural resources and economic well-being. For more information on the new regulations
and other information about invasive species, visit ontario.ca/invasivespecies.