We are reaching out to inform you that an invasive Grass Carp was captured in the Bay of Quinte region of Lake Ontario on July 3, 2023. The fish was captured by a commercial fisher, who reported and transferred it to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), Lake Ontario Unit, who then transferred possession to biologists with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Lab analysis determined that the fish was a fertile female, but there was no evidence that it had spawned recently. DFO and MNRF searched the waters for five days and no additional Grass Carp were found.
Preventing Grass Carp from spreading into the Great Lakes is the best way to prevent harm to Ontario's native fishes, wildlife, and ecosystems.
If you are on the water in Lake Ontario, we encourage you to keep your eyes peeled for further Grass Carp sightings and report any online at
https://www.eddmaps.org/ or call the Invading Species Hotline: 1-800-563-7711.
If you are unsure if you’ve spotted a Grass Carp, confirm using the attached Grass Carp Lookalike Factsheet.
ALERT: Grass Carp sighting in Bay of Quinte
