Terms of Reference

Science advice on mitigation measures to reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species (AIS) through aquaculture mediated transfers

National Peer Review - National Capital Region

December 12-15, 2022
Virtual Meeting

Chairperson: Gilles Olivier

Context

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) that are introduced or spread to ecosystems beyond their natural range can threaten Canada’s biodiversity, economy, and society. Shellfish movements (e.g., transfers for aquaculture) is an important vector of introduction of AIS in marine ecosystems (McKindsey et al., 2007).

Mitigation measures (AIS control treatments) are used as a condition of licence for DFO approved Introduction and Transfer permits. However, there are no national DFO standards for proposed mitigation measures used to treat aquaculture shellfish product from coastal environments to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of AIS.

To date, the effectiveness of treatments used in Canada on marine AIS and the impacts of particular treatments on cultured and non-cultured species has not been reviewed. A wide variety of methods are currently in use without national guidance and consistency.

The National Aquaculture Management Program and Aquatic Invasive Species National Core Program intend to use this advice to develop standards (or guidelines) for reducing the risk of spreading AIS. These standards would provide guidance related to shellfish and macroalgae movements including to DFO Introduction and Transfer committees. Recommendations could be used to inform decision-making including management and policy with regard to Canadian AIS mitigation, for shellfish and macroalgal species that may be vectors of marine AIS.

Objectives

This process will be based on a literature review and be limited to marine invertebrate and macroalgae species, with an emphasis on epibiont AIS, which have the potential to be transported externally on shellfish/macroalgal species during movements (e.g., aquaculture transfers). Internally transported species (e.g., living in mantle water), as well as viruses, bacteria, phytoplankton and protozoans are not within the scope of this work. Representative species from various functional and taxonomic groups (e.g., bivalves, tunicates, crustaceans) will be selected according to their presence (or their expected arrival) in Canadian marine environments and data availability. Impacts of treatment methods on shellfish (e.g., mussels, oysters, scallops) and macroalgae will be assessed.

The specific objectives of this advisory process are:

1. Review and characterize existing methods to mitigate the risk of spreading marine epibiont invertebrate and macroalgae AIS during shellfish/macroalgae introductions and transfers (or movements).
2. Assess the effectiveness of existing methods to kill/remove marine epibiont invertebrate and macroalgae AIS and their impacts on shellfish and macroalgae species, including but not exclusively survival.
3. Provide recommendations on treatment options (i.e., to kill/remove AIS with low impact on shellfish and macroalgae).
4. Identify data gaps and sources of uncertainty.

Expected Publications

• Proceedings
• Research Document
• Science Advisory Report

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
• Provinces and Territories
• Academia
• Indigenous communities
• Industry

References

• McKindsey C.W., Landry T., O’Beirn F.X., Davies I.M. (2007). Bivalve aquaculture and exotic species: a review of ecological considerations and management issues. J Shellfish Res, 26: 281-294