## #Description

This database contains the coordinates of observations of fish and invertebrates, which are exotic and invasive, known by the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP) in Quebec as of June 2025.

An aquatic invasive species is a plant, animal, or microorganism (virus, bacteria, or fungus) that is introduced outside of its natural range, colonizes new sites or regions at a rapid rate, and can form dominant populations. Its establishment or spread can pose a threat to the environment, economy, or society.

## #Les observations come from a variety of sources such as:

* scientific sampling carried out by the MELCCFP and by other governmental or non-profit organizations;

* mentions of citizens who contacted MELCCFP customer service directly or using tools such as Sentinelle and iNaturalist;

* accidental catches by commercial fishermen who are members of the Saint Lawrence Network for the Early Detection of Exotic Aquatic Invasive Species.

For more information on the control of aquatic invasive species, introduction factors, or prevention methods, consult the following web page: [Management of exotic invasive animal species] (https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/faune/gestion-faune-habitats-fauniques/gestion-especes-exotiques-envahissantes-animales).

To help you identify the various species of freshwater fish in Quebec (native and invasive), use the iPêche mobile application (available [here] (https://www.quebec.ca/tourisme-et-loisirs/activites-sportives-et-de-plein-air/peche-sportive/identifier-poisson-ipeche)), which is free and developed by the Government of Quebec. This application allows voluntary reporting of catches for wildlife research purposes.

## #Mises on guard

* __Please consult the PDF document for the list of acronyms and references used in the “Invasive exotic aquatic fauna in Quebec” database . __

* Data is not exhaustive. Thus, the absence of information in a given territory does not mean that there are no invasive aquatic fauna.

* The observations transmitted by means of photographs are validated by experts, but have not all been subject to field validation by the MELCCFP.

* The observations may have been changed since they were integrated into the database (e.g. control action).

**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**