NANAIMO - The Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection is discouraging anglers and fish owners from transplanting or depositing non-native fish into B.C.¹s lakes.

Perch, bass, sunfish and a variety of common tropical aquarium fish and amphibians have been found in almost 90 lakes in the province. Non-native species are often strong competitors for limited food resources in lakes, and can prey heavily on the juvenile trout that are the backbone of the region¹s valuable sport fishery.

A Pacu, native to South America, was found recently by an angler in Green Lake, on the northern edge of Nanaimo. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection staff are conducting a standard lake sampling survey to verify that there are no additional Pacu present. The presence of additional fish of this species is unlikely as water temperatures on Vancouver Island are generally not conducive to successful spawning of the Pacu, or species of similar origin.

Anglers and non-anglers alike are asked to act as the public¹s eyes and to report any suspicious incidents to the Observe, Record and Report line at 1-800-663-WILD (9453).

Visit the ministry¹s website www.gov.bc.ca/wlap for more information about angling opportunities and regulations.

Contact:

Nikki McCallum
Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection
250 953-4577