Invasive Species

Robinson Superior Treaty Invasive Species Monitoring Report 2024

Background information

Crayfish play and important role in breaking down dead plant material and promoting decomposition and recycling. They make more organic material more available for smaller aquatic animals by chewing and crushing it produces food. They are also a primary food source to many of our fish that we rely on for sustenance. It is vital that the crayfish be native to the environment, because they help support the local eco-system and help sustain a balanced eco-system. 

The two native species of crayfish found in the Nipigon River and Lake Helen are the Northern Clearwater Crayfish and Virile Crayfish. The Northern Clearwater Crayfish can be identified by the dark stripe going down the center of its tail. The Virile Crayfish are a little bigger and are identified by their blue claws and the two rows of dots that go down the backs of their tails. 

The Rusty Crayfish is an invasive species because it is not native to Ontario, they are larger and will fight off predators instead of fleeing and will drive out smaller, native crayfish from their habitats. They eat large quantities of aquatic vegetation, which reduces spawning and nursery habitats for native fish. The result is that native species will decline leading to an imbalanced eco-system.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Rusty Crayfish

Project Overview

In August 2024, Red Rock Indian Band conducted an Invasive species on the Nipigon River and Lake Helen. The Lands and Resource Director as well Source Water Protection Coordinator were able to have the youth from the community participate in an educational session where our Lands & Resource Director taught them what an invasive specie is, how to identify them and how harmful they can be to the environment. The L&R Director then proceeded to educate the group, the role they as humans play in the environment and how we each play a role in our community and world to respect and take care of it. Even crayfish as small as they are, play a key role in balancing or damaging the eco-system, is what was conveyed to they youth. 

The students were able to participate hands on by setting several crayfish traps at different locations on the Nipigon River and Lake Helen. The following day they were able to apply their knowledge and identify the crayfish they had caught in their traps. The students documented each species and the location where they were caught. Everyone was pleased to see that so far there are no Rusty Crayfish species in Lake Helen.

Monitoring Methods:

• Trapping: Use baited traps (like wire minnow traps) to collect and monitor crayfish in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.
• Hand/Net Collection: Collect crayfish using nets or by hand, ensuring you preserve individuals from all crayfish species present and deliver them to your local CLMN contact