Terms of Reference

National Science Peer Review Workshop on

Canadian Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Framework: A Science Perspective

June 9 to 10, 2009

Radisson Hotel, Richmond, BC

Chairperson: Becky Cudmore

Workshop contact: Andrea Locke

Background

Rapid response is an integral component of “A Canadian Action Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species” (Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers Aquatic Invasive Task Group, 2004), yet Canada currently lacks a formal rapid response procedure for non-indigenous marine or freshwater species. Development of a Rapid Response Framework was undertaken at the request of this Task Group via a formal request to DFO Science. Its primary purpose is explicitly to serve as a guide to rapid response plans for which Fisheries and Oceans Canada is the lead agency, but it is expected that the framework will have applicability to other agencies/departments. Earlier initiatives to develop a rapid response planning protocol for aquatic invasive species in Canada (Locke and Hanson 2009 a, b; Locke et al. 2009) considered the first of three main components that would define an effective rapid response framework: (1) processes and plans to guide response actions; (2) tools with which to respond; and, (3) the capability and resources to carry out the response (as described by Wotton and Hewitt 2004).

Clearly, an overarching Rapid Response Framework for DFO would include coordination among DFO Sectors and other levels of government. DFO Science is responsible for the provision of scientific advice; therefore, DFO Science (Environment and Biodiversity, Ottawa) requested a science review of the draft rapid response framework. The purpose of the workshop is to review the science components and their links within the draft framework to determine the information and data requirements for DFO Science to provide guidance while maintaining a consistent approach for the development of rapid response plans for specific species and/or locations. Although the workshop will not explicitly address the availability of tools, nor the capability and resources to undertake a response, it is understood that these are integral to the development of an overall rapid response plan.

Objectives

The objective of the workshop is to peer review the draft Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Framework developed by DFO Science. Specific case studies of aquatic invasive species responses will also be reviewed. Specifically, the workshop will:

• Review the flow of science inputs within the draft framework and identify gaps if any; and,
• Revise the framework if required and define next steps to be undertaken with other sectors towards the finalization of the Rapid Response Framework to be applied by DFO.

Outputs

A CSAS Proceedings document summarizing the information reviewed, workshop discussions, and conclusions.

A CSAS Research Document describing the proposed Framework for Rapid Response. Case studies reviewed at the workshop may also be published as research documents.

Participation

Participants (approx. 40) will include the authors of the draft Rapid Response Framework and case studies, and individuals (from within and outside DFO Science) with relevant expertise in invasive species and/or rapid response planning.

Participation at the meeting may include:

• DFO Science, Oceans Habitat and Species at Risk, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Policy, Communications
• Other federal government departments
• Provincial and territorial governments
• Academia
• External (to Canada) experts

References

Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers Aquatic Invasive Task Group.  2004. A Canadian Action Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species. September, 2004.

Locke, A., and J.M. Hanson.  2009a.  Rapid response to non-indigenous species. 1. Goals and history of rapid response in the marine environment. Aquatic Invasions 4: 237-247.

Locke, A., and J.M. Hanson. 2009b.  Rapid response to non-indigenous species. 3. A proposed framework. Aquatic Invasions 4: 259-273.

Locke, A., J.M. Hanson, N.G. MacNair, and A.H. Smith. 2009.  Rapid response to non-indigenous species. 2. Case studies of invasive tunicates in Prince Edward Island. Aquatic Invasions 4: 249-258.

Wotton D.M., and C.L. Hewitt. 2004. Marine biosecurity post-border management: developing incursion response systems for New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 38: 553-559.