OFAH Hosting Ontario Information Sessions on Asian Carp Threat

PETERBOROUGH, ON--(Marketwired - January 27, 2015) - With voracious appetites and rapid reproduction rates, Asian carps currently pose one of the greatest threats to the biodiversity of the Great Lakes.

An Asian carps invasion would jeopardize the Great Lakes' $5-billion fishery and decimate native fish populations. While Asian carps are not yet established in the Great Lakes, their DNA has been detected near Chicago just a few miles upstream of Lake Michigan, prompting both the Canadian and Ontario governments to commit major resources to the threat.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), home to Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program, will be hosting a series of Asian carp information sessions to inform the public about the latest federal and provincial responses to this invasive species.

"There's no question Asian carps represent one of the single greatest threats to our Great Lakes fisheries," said Matt Smith, Invading Species Awareness Program coordinator. "We're looking forward to the opportunity to inform the public about this threat and letting them know what is being done in Canada and Ontario to prevent the entry of Asian carps into our waters."

The OFAH has lead three information sessions in Windsor, Niagara Falls and Sault Ste. Marie and will host sessions in Toronto and Peterborough this month. Each session will include keynote speakers from the federal and provincial governments and a local speaker that will offer a community-specific perspective.

All sessions start at 6:30 p.m.
February 3 -- Toronto, Gladstone Hotel
February 11 -- Peterborough, OFAH/Mario Cortelluci Hunting and Fishing Heritage Centre

With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 725 member clubs, the OFAH is the province's largest nonprofit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization and the VOICE of anglers and hunters. For more information, visit www.invadingspecies.com or follow the Invasive Species Awareness Program on Facebook (facebook.com/invspecies) and Twitter (@invspecies).

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2015/1/27/11G031499/Images/Head_of_Silver_Carp_6_Ted_Lawrence-176515184677.JPG