A Canadian Action Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species
Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers Aquatic Invasive Species Task Group
Table of Contents
- Complete Text
- Executive Summary
- Introduction
- Challenges
- Strategic Direction
- Key pathways for introduction or spread
- Strategic management framework
- Next Steps
- Bibliography
- Glossary
Next Steps
Aquatic invasive species and their potential damage to Canadian aquatic ecosystems pose a multi-faceted problem with no easy solutions. The scope of the problem, combined with the fact that it will continue to grow if left unchecked, leaves no doubt that immediate steps must be taken.
There are no quick fixes for the environmental, economic and social damage done by AIS. Even if prevention efforts ultimately succeed in achieving the ideal of no new species being introduced, control efforts must continue.
The development of this plan has involved significant consultation with stakeholders. The consultation process was integral to ensuring that all factors have been considered in setting priorities for further action.
To ensure the necessary leadership and coordination is in place to support the long-term objectives of the plan, governments are working together to develop a governance model for issue assessment, decision-making and priority setting, implementation planning and resourcing, and biological-social-economic risk assessment. This involves improving coordination, refining legislation, working closely with trading partners, focusing on risk assessment, supporting research, monitoring ecosystems, and informing the public.
Increasing public awareness and raising the profile of AIS issues have also been identified as key building blocks to the success of the Canadian plan.
Finally, governments will continue their current efforts to develop and implement regulations for ballast water by completing the current negotiation process and continuing discussions with the United States and other jurisdictions to develop responses to the IMO Convention.
Participants in the Canadian AIS Plan
- Federal departments
- Provincial/territorial departments
- Municipal governments
- Aboriginal peoples
- International Joint Commission
- Great Lakes Fishery Commission
- Shipping industry
- Harbour and Port authorities
- Recreational boaters
- Recreational boating associations
- Fish and game associations
- Recreational boating industry
- Commercial fishermen
- Environmental NGOs
- Live food fish retailers
- Aquaculture industry
- Live bait industry
- Recreational anglers
- Scientists and academics
- Aquarium/water garden industry
- Aquarium/water garden owners
- Industries located on waterways or dependent on waterways
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