A new invasive species has been discovered in the waters of Lake Saint-François, more specifically in the Saint-Zotique area. At least, this was confirmed on Monday, July 17, by the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faunes et des Parcs.

The tubenose goby is a predator of eggs and larvae of species native to the environment in which it settles. It also competes with other bottom-feeding fish.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are difficult to control once established in an environment. Invasion patterns known elsewhere for the tubenose goby, notably in the Great Lakes, suggest that its abundance could gradually increase and that its ultimate distribution could cover the entire fluvial portion of the St. Lawrence.

This is the first time this invasive species has been observed in Quebec. The observation was made by the Ministry as part of its Réseau de suivi ichtyologique (RSI).

According to the Ministry, the tubenose goby was introduced to North America in the St. Clair River, Michigan, in the 1990s through the discharge of ballast water from ships sailing from Europe.

Since then, it has spread short distances from its place of introduction. The most likely hypothesis for the arrival of the tubenose goby in Quebec is expansion from Lake Ontario down the St. Lawrence River.

What to do if you catch a tubenose goby?

Since the roundnose goby is still very rare in Quebec, anglers are asked to report any sightings of this species to the Ministère de l'Environnement du Québec, so that its presence in the St. Lawrence river system can be better documented.

To do so, citizens can contact the Ministère by calling 1 877 346-6763, or by contacting the wildlife directorate in their region. 

It is important to note, however, that if an angler believes he has caught an invasive species such as the tubenose goby, round goby or tench, he must return the fish to the water if he does not wish to keep it for his own consumption. The aim is to prevent the unnecessary death of native fish that have been misidentified.

How can we help prevent the spread of this species?

Prevention is crucial, because once the species has become established in a body of water, it is virtually impossible to eradicate it, and control requires recurrent, costly action with no guarantee of success.

The public can help prevent the introduction and spread of this invasive species by practicing responsible fishing and leisure activities, in particular by respecting the ban on the use of live bait fish in Quebec.

Another similar species, the round goby, has been shown to use boat hulls as habitat. It is therefore possible to transport adult gobies or their eggs on your boat without noticing.

Inspecting, emptying, cleaning and drying boats and equipment are among the methods for preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species that can be easily applied at any time.