The Red Devils
The Unwanted
Squid and other undesirables
A warm invitation
Our warming waters may be an open invitation for these deadly devils to make permanent homes here in B.C. waters. This could mean serious consequences for fisheries, including hake. Researchers don't know if we can rule out the threat of the squid to other fish such as rockfish and salmon. Hungry jumbo squid in B.C. waters could add extra pressure on these disappearing populations. But are they our foremost concern?
| Red Devil |
 |
Unfortunately, the Jumbo, or "Red Devil," squid are not the only aquatic animals to find a home in B.C. Other visitors include the European green crab and various tunicate species, brought to our coast via ships.
It is worth noting that the size of an invading species alone may not necessarily indicate the impacts it will have on ecosystems. While the European green crab and tunicates are much smaller than the jumbo squid, they have certainly proven to be problematic. The European green crab competes with native species for food and habitat, while non-native tunicates can completely smother shellfish beds.
| Jumbo, not Giant |
 At least B.C.'s human-size jumbo squid
aren't the giant squid of legend! |
Safety for marine worlds!
We may not be able to stop jumbo squid from inhabiting B.C. waters, but we can help our marine ecosystems continue to be as strong and resilient as possible. There is an urgent need to protect significant stretches of Canada's oceans, to help restock and nurture coastal waters. That means Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – places where industry treads lightly and conservation comes first. MPAs are one of our best defences and strategies in battling the effects of climate change on fragile marine environments. They provide nurseries for fish and other marine life struggling to survive.
>> Please contact a politician. Talk to them about MPAs and the importance of marine nurseries. Your voice matters!
Climate change is a culprit as well, altering ocean conditions which causes species, like the jumbo squid, to seek out new ocean areas. Do your part to help protect the ocean from the effects of climate change by reducing your own carbon footprint.