Aline Berthe, Co-Executive Director at the Regional Environmental Council of Estrie, Ève Courtois, Science Communicator at RAPPEL, Dr. David O’Connor, Project Manager at the Regional Environmental Council of Estrie, and Jean Nadeau, President of the Brompton Lake Protection Association. Photo by William Crooks
Community unites to combat threat in Estrie
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The small hall at the Club Chasse et Pêche in Saint-Denis-de-Brompton was filled to capacity July 23 as concerned citizens, local officials, and environmental activists gathered to discuss the pressing issue of invasive aquatic species threatening the lakes of Estrie. Hosted by the Regional Environmental Council of Estrie (CREE), the event featured a comprehensive presentation of a recent study and a strategic plan to combat these environmental threats.
Aline Berthe, Co-Executive Director of the CREE, kicked off the event. “The room might seem small, but the turnout today shows just how crucial this issue is,” she remarked. “We’re here to present the results of a pivotal study conducted as part of the project titled ‘Strategic Regional, Interregional, and Quebec-wide Governance of Invasive Species.’ This study is a collaborative effort involving multiple regional councils across Quebec.”
Berthe emphasized the collective effort required to tackle invasive species, highlighting the involvement of councils from Estrie, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Laurentides, and Montérégie. The goal is to develop a regional strategy to combat invasive aquatic species and raise awareness among decision-makers, organizations, and the public.
Invasive aquatic species in Estrie
Impact and prevalence
The spread of invasive aquatic species (IAS) in Estrie has significant environmental, social, and economic consequences. Currently, 23 IAS have been identified in the region, including the zebra mussel, Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny water flea, and Chinese mystery snail. These species disrupt local ecosystems, damage infrastructure, and interfere with recreational activities.
Regional strategy
The CREE is implementing a pilot project from 2023 to 2025, funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to develop a regional strategy aimed at reducing the spread and introduction of IAS. Key to this effort is the washing of recreational boats and equipment between bodies of water to prevent transportation of these species.
Study findings and the Georgian viviparid (or banded mystery snail) discovery
Dr. David O’Connor, Project Manager at the CREE, provided an in-depth overview of the study. “During our research, we confirmed the presence of a new invasive species, the Georgian viviparid, in Brompton Lake,” O’Connor announced. “This discovery underscores the importance of vigilance and collective action to protect our precious aquatic ecosystems.”
The study identified various lakes in Estrie at risk of contamination, classifying them based on the ease with which invasive species could spread. Lakes were categorized into two levels: red and yellow. The red level indicates lakes containing species with planktonic stages, such as zebra mussels and Georgian viviparids, which can be difficult to detect and require rigorous decontamination procedures. Yellow-level lakes contain species that are easier to remove manually.
O’Connor stressed the importance of proper decontamination protocols to prevent the spread of invasive species. “When leaving a contaminated lake, it is vital to decontaminate all equipment and watercraft using hot, high-pressure water. This method ensures that any organisms are removed or killed, preventing further spread.”
He recommended a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius for at least one minute to effectively kill most invasive species. “Even a small amount of water in a life jacket or some soil on water shoes can transport these species,” he warned.
Community and municipal efforts
Jean Nadeau, President of the Brompton Lake Protection Association, highlighted the efforts taken by the local community and municipalities. “Our association has worked tirelessly since 1978 to protect Brompton Lake,” Nadeau said. “Last year, we saw the installation of two self-service decontamination stations in Saint-Denis-de-Brompton and Orford, thanks to the cooperation of local municipalities.”
Nadeau called for further action from municipal leaders to enforce mandatory decontamination protocols. “After two summers of education and awareness campaigns, it’s time to implement common regulations across our municipalities. We need to make decontamination mandatory for all watercraft entering our lakes, including imposing fines for non-compliance.”
Ève Courtois, Science Communicator at RAPPEL, emphasized the role of education in preventing the spread of invasive species. “Prevention is crucial because once these species establish themselves, they are extremely difficult and costly to eradicate,” Courtois explained. “That’s why we advocate for the ‘wash, drain, dry’ method between every water body visit.”
Contaminated water bodies in Estrie
High-risk zones
Estrie has several water bodies classified as high-risk for IAS contamination. The classification system includes two levels: Red and Yellow.
– Red Level: Seventeen bodies of water are at Red Level, indicating the presence of IAS with planktonic stages that are invisible to the naked eye, requiring thorough decontamination with hot water at both high and low pressure. Notable Red Level waters include Baie Missisquoi, Lac Memphrémagog, and Rivière Magog.
– Yellow Level: Forty-three bodies of water fall under the Yellow Level, indicating IAS that are easier to remove. High-pressure washing and thorough inspections are usually sufficient. Examples include Lac Brome and Lac Orford.
Prevention Measures
To prevent the spread of IAS, it’s crucial to wash, drain, and dry all equipment and boats after use. This includes removing visible debris, draining water from all compartments, and ensuring everything is completely dry before the next use. Following these steps helps protect the region’s water bodies from further contamination.
Question period and community engagement
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, where community members raised various concerns. A reporter inquired about the number of lakes sampled in Estrie for invasive species. O’Connor responded, “With over 3,000 lakes larger than one hectare, it’s a monumental task. Our current list includes 61 lakes with known occurrences, but many more are likely affected.”
Another resident asked about the temperature required for effective decontamination. “Research shows that 60 degrees Celsius for at least 15 seconds is effective against most species, but we recommend one minute to be safe,” Courtois replied.
A long-time local fisherman questioned the practicality of washing boats after every use. O’Connor acknowledged the challenge but stressed its importance. “While it may seem inconvenient, the long-term benefits of protecting our lakes far outweigh the short-term efforts.”
The event ended with a call to action for all attendees. “Protecting our lakes is a shared responsibility,” Berthe concluded. “We must all remain vigilant and committed to implementing these safety measures to preserve our natural heritage for future generations.”