The Erie Canal connects a lot more than people and products – it also transports invasive species. Invasive species can hurt native animals and can destroy local ecosystems.
There are over 180 invasive species in the Erie Canal. That includes hydrilla, a quick-growing plant that can cover the surface of the water, making a dense carpet of green, entangled plants that’s impossible to boat through. Water chestnuts, another invasive plant in the canal, become overgrown and form mats at the water's surface, blocking sunlight and killing native plant species.
The round goby, a small, stumpy looking fish, is another invasive species damaging the Erie Canal’s waterways.
“They will act like little garbage disposals,” said Kate Littrell, a senior environmental scientist with the New York Power Authority who manages invasive species in the canal. “They will eat mussels, eat native fish, eggs – they will eat basically anything they can get their mouths on.”
The New York Power Authority is considering restricting boat traffic and even creating temporary canal closures to stop the goby’s spread. Boaters are also encouraged to clean, drain and dry all equipment before traveling between different bodies of water.
Littrell said community outreach is one of the simplest and most effective solutions to raise awareness. When she meets with local boaters and fishermen, Littrell said they are shocked by the severity of invasive species and want to protect the canal.
“Imagine you're going fishing with the next generation, right? And you're only catching round goby,” Littrell said. “You're wasting bait, you're not having that same beautiful experience that you had when you were young. At the core of it, we’re trying to preserve and protect our native species, and invasive species threaten that.”
Listen to the full episode of Canal Keepers here or wherever you get podcasts.
