The Champlain Canal has been, and continues to be, a major vector for transport of invasive species into Lake Champlain and, from there, into inland bodies of water in the lake basin.  Zebra mussels, white perch, sea lamprey and other species are thought to have invaded Lake Champlain via the canal.  The concept of a fish repelling barrier at the Lake Champlain Canal dates to at least 1993. In 1998, the US Fish and Wildlife Service sponsored a workshop summarizing the role that the NYS Canal System plays in the role of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) invasions.  Despite these efforts, no engineering efforts or operational changes in the canal have been implemented to minimize the threat of ANS invasions via the canal to Lake Champlain.

A Lock on the Champlain Canal

Scientists and outreach staff at Plattsburgh State University, the Lake Champlain Basin Program, University of Vermont, and the VT Department of Environmental Conservation investigated hypothetical barriers that might preclude future invasions.  Of immediate interest are species such as round goby, alewife, ruffe, and spiny/fish hook waterfleas - all of which occur in the Great Lakes, but not yet in Lake Champlain.

The role of canals as invasive species pathway is not restricted to Lake Champlain.  Engineers have employed various strategies to limit invasive species movements on the Trent-Severn Waterway and the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping Canal.

Downloads:

Champlain Canal Barrier Feasibility Report [PDF]
Zebra Mussel Fact Sheet [PDF]