Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Allocates $25 Million to Halt Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

PETERBOROUGH, ON — The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources announced a $25 million investment under the Ontario Invasive Species Action Plan, deploying targeted funding to protect provincial waterways, cottage country lakes, and the Great Lakes basin from destructive aquatic invasive species.

Defending Freshwater Biodiversity and Multi-Billion Recreational Fisheries

The funding packages provide direct grants to conservation authorities and municipal marina operators to install 120 free automated high-pressure boat decontamination wash stations along the Trent-Severn Waterway, Lake Simcoe, and Georgian Bay. The initiative also funds acoustic and underwater bubble barriers to prevent grass carp and hydrilla from entering St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario spawning estuaries, safeguarding Ontario's $2.2 billion commercial and sport fishing industry.

Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris stated that preventing invasive species from establishing footholds protects pristine freshwater ecosystems and safeguards regional tourism economies.

Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Support

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) praised the free boat wash stations for empowering recreational boaters to practice responsible biosecurity.

Conservation authorities established rapid-response environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance teams to detect invasive species at microscopic levels.

Equipment Deployment Schedule

Automated boat wash units will begin installation at municipal public boat launches in spring 2027 ahead of the Victoria Day boating season.