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Stories about invasive species of flora or fauna that are outcompeting the indigenous species.

Invasive Species

Swimmer's itch at Bruce Beach

Submitted by beachcomber on August 10, 2011 - 12:12pm

Hello Bruce Beachers,

After swimming in Lake Huron many times since May, we seem to have 3 cases of swimmer's itch now at our cottage. These cases all occurred after swimming on the August 6th weekend. I'm sending out this message as a warning to watch out for symptoms and to inform you of the possible preventative measures.

The web site swimmersitch.org has lots of information and pictures, but the simplest preventative measures are to shower after swimming and towel off briskly. There are also preventative creams available.

There is now a poll that you take at the Bruce Beach web site brucebeach.ca so we can see how common swimmer's itch is at Bruce Beach.

Regards,
Doug Dunlop (Cottage 102)

Lake Huron e-news August 2011

Submitted by Geoff Peach on July 31, 2011 - 11:00pm
Lake Huron Centre for Coastal ConservationLake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation

This months headlines...

  • Algae - Walking the Green Mile
  • Aquafest - Aug. 5, 6 & 7
  • Piping Plover Update

Asian Carp threat to Great Lakes

Submitted by Ross Klopp on July 17, 2011 - 11:00pm

A six part series:

Part 1: The truth about Asian carp
Part 2: How deadly would Asian carp be to Great Lakes?
Part 3: Battle lines are drawn at Chicago ship canal
Part 4: U.S. as much to blame as fish farms for escape
Part 5: Carp can be harvested -- but who will eat it?
Part 6: Scientists race to win war against carp

• Related content: Getting carp under control may amount to a long and costly fight | Science will find a way to rein in Asian carp, expert says | With video: All carp jump? Nope, only silver, and only sometimes

See the related links for the full story.

Lake Huron e-news November 2010

Submitted by Geoff Peach on November 1, 2010 - 3:44pm

The Sweet Sea: 
An International Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for Lake Huron

Guest author - Greg Mayne

Imagine waves crashing along rugged cliffs, clear waters chasing up sandy shores to the base of dunes, a myriad of shorebirds darting and bobbing for insects along the shore; thousands of songbirds and raptors using the Lake and watershed to rest and refuel during their annual migrations; sturgeon, lake trout and walleye gliding through the cool, deep water; thousand year-old cedar trees waving against a lightning streaked sky; moss-and lichen encrusted alvars baked by the sun; wind- tormented trees clinging to rock barrens, and waves of vegetation in sprawling wetland complexes…these are just some of the sights and sounds of Lake Huron.
… continue reading »

Lake Huron e-news October 2010

Submitted by Geoff Peach on October 1, 2010 - 11:00pm

Sudden Impact 

Diporeia (die-por-ia) is a tiny, shrimp-like organism that is at the base of the Great Lakes food chain. Studies have identified that this animal is in a rapid state of decline in Lake Huron. 

Diporeia is environmentally sensitive, requiring clean, cold, well oxygenated water for growth and survival. It is native to the Great Lakes, having been present since the receding of the glaciers. Diporeia have a high fat content, with lipid fats often exceeding 30% of its total weight. As a result, it is rich in calories and a good source of energy for fish. 

Since Diporeia normally make up over 70 percent of the living biomass in healthy lake bottoms in offshore areas, their decline in the Great Lakes is negatively affecting a variety of fish species that depend heavily on them for food.
… continue reading »

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