Pefferlaw Brook Round Goby Removal Project
Information Site

Important Notice for Residents and Businesses of Pefferlaw (PDF, 45 KB)

Round goby

The invasive species round goby (PDF, 132 KB) was found in the Pefferlaw Brook in late July 2004. Experience has shown this exotic fish species to be hazardous to Ontario's river and lake ecosystems. As Lake Simcoe is so significant to the socio-economic health of the region the Ministry of Natural Resources and its partners feel strongly that every effort must be made to prevent round goby from entering the Lake.

Once in the Lake round goby will be virtually impossible to remove. Immediate action is necessary.

Plan to remove round goby from the Pefferlaw Brook (PDF, 1.5 MB)

A public meeting was held in Pefferlaw, October 4, 2005 to discuss MNR's plan to remove round goby from the Pefferlaw Brook. Notices were delivered to businesses and residents of Pefferlaw the week prior. Included in the 150 or so people who attended was Town of Georgina Mayor Rob Grossi, MPP Julia Munro, local angling and naturalist club members, The Pefferlaw Post, The Georgina Advocate, and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. Attendees were informed of the available options for removing round goby (PDF, 193 KB), their pros and cons and the likelihood of success and were able to have their questions answered. 

Rotenone

Facts on Rotenone (PDF, 39 KB)

Given the current set of circumstances in the Brook and the availability of reliable techniques and technology, treatment with rotenone, an organic based piscicide was deemed to be the most suitable approach to remove goby from the Pefferlaw Brook. Rotenone a natural compound extracted from a tropical plant and used in fisheries management across North America and Europe. With proper handling rotenone is NOT HARMFUL TO HUMANS OR OTHER ANIMALS, BIRDS, REPTILES or AMPHIBIANS.

For more information on rotenone visit the Rotenone Stewardship Program website.

For rotenone classification please visit the Ontario Pesticides Advisory Committee (OPAC) website.

Partnerships

Aspects of this project will be undertaken as partnerships between MNR, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, local clubs, businesses and residents.