Hi Everyone:
I just thought I would ask this question concerning the carp die-off. Should we be concerned since this species is not native to the province since its introduction and the impact this species has on the the aquatic ecosystem.
Just a discussion.
popr
Should we care if Carp Die-off in Ontario ???
I would think that even though they are not native to the area, they have still been incorporated to the ecosystem and things have adjusted to having them there.
Not saying things won't go back, or stay the same if they leave, but there is always the chance with removing them they will have devastating effects on the food chain.
Say species "X" was close to extinction, but it was found invading an area that it was not native to, is it OK to support its removal or die off? What if it was causing another species to become endangered or extinct? What if another species already "left the area" because the carp were eating all their food?
There is not much bass fishing further north of here, but as the weather warms, the bass is making its way further north than ever. When I was a kid, lakes we went to with only trout and pickeral, now mostly have bass. Is bass considered an invasive species there? Should we support its removal? If we do, will the native species ever return? What if they don't, now there are no trout pickeral or bass, how do you comment on this?
In my opinion, its here, there is nothing we can do to reverse that, so lets make the best of it and support it (support life, not the die off)
Not saying things won't go back, or stay the same if they leave, but there is always the chance with removing them they will have devastating effects on the food chain.
Say species "X" was close to extinction, but it was found invading an area that it was not native to, is it OK to support its removal or die off? What if it was causing another species to become endangered or extinct? What if another species already "left the area" because the carp were eating all their food?
There is not much bass fishing further north of here, but as the weather warms, the bass is making its way further north than ever. When I was a kid, lakes we went to with only trout and pickeral, now mostly have bass. Is bass considered an invasive species there? Should we support its removal? If we do, will the native species ever return? What if they don't, now there are no trout pickeral or bass, how do you comment on this?
In my opinion, its here, there is nothing we can do to reverse that, so lets make the best of it and support it (support life, not the die off)
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almontefisher
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I think the die-off is a small concern of a larger issue. Species just don't die off for no reason and will it affect any other species??? If it is a lack of oxygen in the water due to weed growth then this will choke off other species as well. We need to be concerned with the carp but look further than just that and find out the real issue. Something is not right with the water there. Carp are a very hardy species and for them to die-off means something seroius is happening. Look beyond the carp people and find the real answer...before worse things happen to our eco-system...
" This is my 2 cents and my 2 cents only"..this is in no way the opinion of this site or members...any familiarity with real people and events is not intentional and is meant for fictional purposes only. again the opinions expressed in all of these posts are not the opinion of this station...
" This is my 2 cents and my 2 cents only"..this is in no way the opinion of this site or members...any familiarity with real people and events is not intentional and is meant for fictional purposes only. again the opinions expressed in all of these posts are not the opinion of this station...
Should we care if Carp Die-off in Ontario ???
Carp are basically vegetarian and should be OK in heavy vegetation. They also able to survive very poor water quality. If they are dieing off it indicates some very serious problem in the area. Yes! We should care
Laszlo
Laszlo
Well, it's not really a die-off so much as a thinning out. Carp are here to stay and yes not an endemic species but naturalised, adapted very well to Ontario water. Rainbow/Steelhead are, introduction-wise, identical to carp and there are many other introduced species, deliberate and accidental.
In my opinion, a fish is a fish. If it takes a lure/fly/whatever of mine, it is a fish of sublime beauty, no matter the species. Once a fish has become established in the ecosystem, it there and deserves the same consideration and treatment as any other "valued ecosystem component". Non-native origin or any other excuse is not valid for justifying bad behaviour (indiscriminate killing for example).
The Scugog fish kill is worrisome in that it could be VHS moving up into the Kawarthas and this could just be the beginning. VHS is an equal opportunity fish virus and so far can whack at least 37 different species. Although the MNR is hoping it is a bacterial outbreak, there is some evidence for VHS and fish are being tested for it. We can only keep an eye on it, can't do much about it, wash boats, don't move fish/bait between lakes etc.
In my opinion, a fish is a fish. If it takes a lure/fly/whatever of mine, it is a fish of sublime beauty, no matter the species. Once a fish has become established in the ecosystem, it there and deserves the same consideration and treatment as any other "valued ecosystem component". Non-native origin or any other excuse is not valid for justifying bad behaviour (indiscriminate killing for example).
The Scugog fish kill is worrisome in that it could be VHS moving up into the Kawarthas and this could just be the beginning. VHS is an equal opportunity fish virus and so far can whack at least 37 different species. Although the MNR is hoping it is a bacterial outbreak, there is some evidence for VHS and fish are being tested for it. We can only keep an eye on it, can't do much about it, wash boats, don't move fish/bait between lakes etc.
Carp Die-off
Guys, all good responses.
I know that Carp are part of our environment now, same as the browns, rainbows and pacific salmon and they will be into the future. Its true that our aquatic world is changing and species will continue to expand into our province. With climate change and with the transportation/migration of fish (not talking plants, that another issue) we need to make sure that we stop the spread of any non-native species.
This leads into another question about baitfish: Should we stop the use of baitfish in this province as other jurisdictions have.
Just another question.
popr
I know that Carp are part of our environment now, same as the browns, rainbows and pacific salmon and they will be into the future. Its true that our aquatic world is changing and species will continue to expand into our province. With climate change and with the transportation/migration of fish (not talking plants, that another issue) we need to make sure that we stop the spread of any non-native species.
This leads into another question about baitfish: Should we stop the use of baitfish in this province as other jurisdictions have.
Just another question.
popr
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almontefisher
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I know in my lake near Ompah the baitfish had crippled the trout population but only from those people who do not dispose of them properly. If you dump your baitfish into the lake you are fishing that is a no-no...but if you dispose of them properly then there should not be an issue. Why do I get involved in these topics...I know it will turn south sooner or later cause someone believes there opinion is the right one...So saying that everyone has a right opinion cause thats what makes it an opinion so lets not start a rant of name calling on this guys...I like these "discussions of opinions" as long as they stay like that. 
It's not merely a question of babies. Fish, even dead ones, carry diseases and parasites. When you fish with bait harvested from a different body of water, you risk transporting these diseases and parasites from one body of water to another. The results of this contamination may not be immediately evident. It may take a few years before the effect of a disease or parasite is felt and the results could spell disaster for your favourite lake or stream.Crunchy wrote:A baitfish ban is not the answer, maybe a live baitfish ban would be more effective.
After all, how many babies can a dead shiner make?
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Boosterman
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- Location: Sudbury, On
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Ever since I was kid Bass fishing was always part of my life in northern Ontario. But you had to go to certain lakes to fish for them. There has been introductions to bass in certain lakes that there was no bass before only pickeral. What ended up happening the bass took over the lakes and pickeral population on the decrease now are we further ahead. Intoduce one to kill off another.Crunchy wrote:There is not much bass fishing further north of here, but as the weather warms, the bass is making its way further north than ever. When I was a kid, lakes we went to with only trout and pickeral, now mostly have bass. Is bass considered an invasive species there? Should we support its removal? If we do, will the native species ever return? What if they don't, now there are no trout pickeral or bass, how do you comment on this?