The Province is closing recreational angling in Lost Lake to prevent the spread of goldfish, a non-native species.

Goldfish (Carassius auratus), an invasive species, were recently identified in Lost Lake, which is located 1.1 kilometres from the Kitsumkalum River, approximately 10 kilometres north of Terrace.

The closure will begin on Saturday, June 22, 2019, and will remain in effect until further notice.

Goldfish introductions have had destructive effects in British Columbia. How long goldfish have been in Lost Lake is uncertain. However, multiple sizes of goldfish are evident, which suggests they are reproducing.

Biologists are completing assessments of the lake to determine the extent of the goldfish population. The biologists are developing management interventions and treatment options to prevent the goldfish from spreading into the Skeena watershed.

Releasing aquarium fish into local natural waterbodies is illegal. Non-native species can have significant impacts on wild fish populations. The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development urges the public to return any unwanted fish to pet stores rather than releasing them into the wild.

Observations of invasive species can be reported by calling the 24-hour Report all Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1 877 952-7277, or online: www.gov.bc.ca/invasive-species

The RAPP website is also available: https://forms.gov.bc.ca/environment/rapp/

Learn More:

For more information about invasive fish species, visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/invasive-species/fish

Information specific to invasive goldfish can be found online:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and-ecosystems/invasive-species/alerts/goldfish_alert.pdf