Terms of Reference

Science Advice on “Clean, Drain, Dry and Decontaminate” Treatments and Protocols to Prevent the Introduction and Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

National Advisory Meeting – National Capital Region

March 30 – April 1, 2021
Virtual meeting

Chairpersons: Gilles Olivier and Sophie Foster

Context

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) that are introduced or spread to ecosystems beyond their natural range can threaten Canada’s biodiversity, economy, and society. Water-based commercial and recreational activities can unintentionally spread AIS to new locations if species hitchhike on watercraft, trailers, equipment, and gear or if they are transported in standing water (e.g., bilge, livewell).

To prevent the introduction and spread of AIS, many government and non-government organizations operate Clean, Drain, Dry (CDD) programs. CDD is an established best management practice targeted towards the general public and owners or operators of watercraft, trailers, equipment, or gear used in and near water. CDD requires watercraft operators to undertake cleaning, draining, and drying steps to reduce the likelihood of transporting AIS on their equipment. In situations where there is a higher risk that AIS could be transported, an additional decontamination step may be applied (CDD+D). Decontamination generally includes disinfection and temperature treatments with variation depending on the target species or disease.

To date, a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of CDD+D protocols used in Canada on marine and freshwater AIS has not been conducted. The need for a fulsome review is compounded by the fact that a wide variety of methods are endorsed and used by different organizations without national consistency.

Objectives

1. Review and characterize existing freshwater and marine CDD+D protocols used in AIS management across Canada or abroad, including specific decontamination methods.
2. Assess the effectiveness of existing CDD+D protocols and methods at reducing the propagule pressure of marine and freshwater AIS^{Footnote 1}along the overland transportation pathway.

The scope of this project will be limited to watercraft under 24m in length, trailers, equipment, and gear that move from water to land before entering a new waterbody, excluding those that remain in the water. Forest firefighting equipment and floatplanes are not within the scope of this work.

CDD+D effectiveness will be based on the extent to which protocols reduce the propagule pressure of AIS along the overland transport pathway. Following this work, common elements across protocols could be identified by AIS management programs to derive best management practices for CDD+D in Canada. Any advice generated from this work on best management practices will be subject to the caveat that CDD+D effectiveness relies heavily on public uptake and compliance, assessing which is beyond the scope of this project.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research Document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
• Provinces and Territories
• Academia
• Other Government Departments