Apply to prevent, control or eradicate an aquatic invasive species

Overview

Fisheries and Oceans Canada may authorize projects that involve measures or activities to:

prevent the introduction or spread of aquatic invasive species
control aquatic invasive species
eradicate aquatic invasive species

These projects require careful planning, coordination and execution.

Provincial and territorial governments also play an important role in aquatic invasive species management. Through this process, the proper jurisdictions will be appropriately involved.

Pest control products and drugs

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and certain provinces and territories, can authorize the use of pest control products (such as pesticides) and drugs to prevent, control or eradicate aquatic invasive species. These projects require careful planning, evaluation, and execution to ensure environmental and human health aren’t compromised.

These projects are limited to pest control products registered by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency and to drugs permitted under the Food and Drugs Act.

Your project must also comply with municipal, provincial and federal laws related to:

personal safety
pesticide application
environmental quality
hazardous material disposal
transport of dangerous goods
storage of hazardous materials

You’re responsible for acquiring the necessary permissions from other municipal, provincial, territorial and federal agencies prior to conducting the project.

Habitat modification

Prevention, control or eradication of an aquatic invasive species can be done through habitat modification projects, such as:

barriers
dredging
smothering
shoreline modification
mechanical harvesting
water level modification
manual vegetation removal

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has an established process to authorize these projects, as habitat modification projects near water can lead to:

incidental death of non-target fish
negative effects on fish habitat, including:
- harmful alteration
- disruption
- destruction

Fishing

Fisheries and Oceans Canada can issue fishing licences targeting aquatic invasive species. Please contact your regional office for more information.

An aquatic invasive fishing licence may have restrictions on the:

gear you use
fishing location
end use of your catch
time of day or the year

When applying, you’ll need to provide information on the:

species targeted
location (fishing area or other)
season
method
gear type

These fishing licences aren’t intended to promote or sustain a commercial industry. We do not want to unintentionally promote the introduction or spread of an aquatic invasive species in the fishing industry through the use of live bait or accidental releases.

Who this applies to

You may apply to plan a project to prevent, control or eradicate aquatic invasive species if you want to:

prevent the introduction or spread of an aquatic invasive species
eliminate aquatic invasive species on your property
implement a project, measure or activity that would help control or eradicate an aquatic invasive species

We welcome applications from:

all Canadians
Indigenous groups or communities
other federal departments and agencies
municipal, provincial and territorial governments
non-governmental organizations
industry

How to apply

There’s a two-part application process for projects involving aquatic invasive species:

Planning process
Regulatory authorization application

Part A: Planning process

The process for planning a project to control or eradicate aquatic invasive species allows us to preview your project and determine which kind of authorization is required. The aquatic invasive species program:

will preview your project proposal
will ask questions about your project
may provide advice

To receive a project screening, email the appropriate regional office based on your province or territory.

We will preview your project proposal within approximately 30 business days.

Part B: Regulatory authorization application

After completing Part A, we may invite you to initiate a formal regulatory application of your project. This will allow you to obtain the appropriate authorization, licence or permit from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Habitat modification

Complete your application form for a request for habitat modification.

Email your completed application form to the appropriate regional office based on your province or territory.

A completed application form doesn’t guarantee it will be approved. We process authorization applications within approximately 60 business days. This applies only to applications that are fully and properly completed. It doesn’t include time required for legal obligations and consulting with affected groups prior to decision making.

Pest control products and drugs

Complete your application form to request authorization for the use of a pest control product or drug (deleterious substance).

Email your completed application form to the appropriate regional office based on your province or territory.

Fishing

For fishing licences, contact your regional office.

Fishing licences are processed within approximately 60 business days.

Service standards are currently in development. Processing times are subject to change.