Procedure for Importation of Aquatic Animals Procedure for Importation of Aquatic Animals

Transcription

1 Procedure for Importation of Aquatic Animals Both international and domestic orders of any aquatic species, tissues or gametes that will be brought into Saskatchewan require an import permit from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. An import permit is also required for wild fish collected from outside of the province. It is illegal to transfer/import live fish or gametes into Saskatchewan without the necessary provincial and federal importation permits. Failure to adhere to governmental importation regulations can result in fines up to $100,000 and imprisonment up to one year. The following procedure document was developed to aid researchers in obtaining the required documentation prior to submitting their request for aquatic animal purchase through the Animal Order Desk. 1. Begin the importation process at least one month prior to requiring the aquatic animal species. 2. Ensure that the quantity and species of aquatic animal to be ordered are listed on an approved and current animal use protocol. 3. Identify an approved supplier for the aquatic animal species (APPENDIX I contains a list of some frequently used aquatic animal suppliers). 4. Search the CFIA Susceptible Species of Aquatic Animals list for the species that you wish to acquire. If your desired species is on this list, then a Fish Health Certificate is required from the aquatic animal supplier. The list of susceptible species can be found on the following web page: Rainbow trout, tilapia, fathead minnows and zebrafish are all susceptible species that require a Fish Health Certificate for importation. Fish Health Certificates are required both for importation into Canada and between provinces. 5. Apply for a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Import Permit if the aquatic animal is being imported from outside of Canada and a susceptible species of aquatic organism. If importing animals into Saskatchewan from another province, go to step 6. A link to the CFIA import permit can be found at the following website: Application to CFIA (Western Canada contact number is ) should be made at least 30 days in advance. Page 1 of 11

2 Procedure for Importation of Aquatic Animals There is a fee attached to the CFIA permit ($60), but an applicant can ask for multiple shipments during the time the CFIA permit is valid. 6. Obtain a copy of a valid Fish Health Certificate from the hatchery/supplier for species on the CFIA Susceptible Species of Aquatic Animals list. If the supplier does not possess a valid health certificate, one can often be obtained directly for an order, but it generally costs approximately $2,000 in the USA. In Canada, the Abbotsford Health Lab in BC is able to test for VHS and other diseases, and could possibly direct a local veterinarian on taking appropriate samples. This process is likely time consuming and costly and should be avoided if possible. 7. Complete an Introduction or Transfer Application for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (APPENDIX II). 8. Complete the Information Requirements Application for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (APPENDIX III). The abbreviated Information Requirements Application can generally be used instead of the full application when the aquatic animal request is for academic research purposes and does not involve the use of prohibited species (APPENDIX IV). This is a national process that came into Canada with the adoption of the National Code on Introductions of Aquatic Organisms in With increased risks of disease transfer and the threat of invasive species movements, the process has become more vigilant. Information Requirements should be filled out if: i. The individual is importing a particular species for the first time; ii. The individual is new researcher; iii. The individual is using new facilities eg. new building or a new operating system. Repeat importations by the same individual for the same purpose just require submission of the one page Introductions or Transfer Application. 9. Supply copies of the CFIA Import Permit (when required), Fish Health Certificate, Introduction or Transfer application and, when required, the Information Requirements Application to the Local Fish Health Officer, Jennifer Merkowsky (contact information below) at the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. Jennifer can then issue an Import Permit to bring the aquatic species into Saskatchewan. Local Fish Health Officers in Saskatchewan - Saskatchewan Import Permit Contact Information 1. Jennifer Merkowsky (primary contact) Fish and Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Environment 112 Research Drive Saskatoon SK S7N 3R3 Ph Jennifer.Merkowsky@gov.sk.ca Page 2 of 11

3 2. Murray Koob (secondary contact) Fish and Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Environment Box 3003 Prince Albert SK S6V 6G1 Ph: Submit an electronic Animal Request and Report form with your Saskatchewan import permit and associated documents through the online Animal Order Desk ( Note: Purchase of aquatic animals that are to be housed in the Aquatic Toxicology Research Facility will not be processed unless an ATRF Project Submission and Approval form or Project Amendment form containing the details of the animal acquisition has been submitted and approved by the ATRF Manager. Page 3 of 11

4 APPENDIX I Some Approved Suppliers of Aquatic Animals in North America Rainbow trout fingerlings can often be obtained seasonally within Saskatchewan from local fish farms without an import permit. Tilapia of 20 g or larger can be obtained from Current Prairie Fisherman Corp. in Nobleford, Alberta. A fish health certificate is provided by this supplier upon request. Contact: Klaas DenToom (Ph: , klaasdentoom@platinum.ca). 1-4g tilapia can be ordered from Americulture Inc, Animas, NM, USA. Contact: Damon Seawright (Ph: ). A fish health certificate is provided by this supplier upon request. Note: fish must be flown to and picked up from Alberta where customs clearance is performed in person. Fathead minnows are only currently available from the USA. Aquatic Biosystems, Fort Collins, CO ( and Osage Catfisheries, Inc. ( are preferred suppliers. Certification for a fish health certificate must be purchased (~$2000) with each fish order to satisfy Canadian import regulations. Rainbow trout can be obtained throughout the year from Troutlodge, Inc., Sumner, WA ( Rainbow trout eggs are available every week of the year and larger sizes can also be obtained. Page 4 of 11

5 APPENDIX II Introduction or Transfer Application Page 5 of 11

6 APPENDIX III Information Requirements Application (Full Length) INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS National Code on Introductions and Transfers of Aquatic Organisms To be completed by proponent Wherever possible, information is to be supported with references from the scientific literature, and notations to personal communications with scientific authorities and fisheries experts. Applications lacking detail may be returned to the proponent for additional material, resulting in a delay in assessing the proposal. For some proposals, e.g., intraprovincial transfers or other routine introductions/transfers, the information requirement may be reduced significantly. The local Introductions and Transfers Committee should be consulted in such cases. A) Executive Summary: Provide a brief summary of the document including a description of the proposal, the potential impacts on native species and their habitats and mitigation steps to minimize the potential impacts on native species. B) Introduction 1) Name (common and scientific [genus and species]) of the organism proposed for introduction or transfer. 2) Describe the characteristics, including distinguishing characteristics, of the organism. Include a scientific drawing or photograph. 3) Describe the history in aquaculture, enhancement or other introductions (if appropriate). 4) Describe the objectives and rationale for the proposed introduction, including an explanation as to why such an objective cannot be met through the utilization of an indigenous species. 5) What alternate strategies have been considered in order to meet the objectives of the proposal? What are the implications of a do nothing option? Page 6 of 11

7 6) What is the geographic area of the proposed introduction? Include a map. 7) Describe the numbers of organisms proposed for introduction (initially, ultimately). Can the project be broken down into different sub-components; if so, how many organisms are involved in each sub-component? 8) Describe the source(s) of the stock (facility) and genetic stock (if known). C) Life History Information of the Species to be Introduced or Transferred - For Each Life History Stage 1) Describe the native range and range changes due to introductions. 2) Record where the species was introduced previously and describe the ecological effects on the environment of the receiving area (predator, prey, competitor, and/or structural/functional elements of the habitat). 3) What factors limit the species in its native range. 4) Describe the physiological tolerances (water quality, temperature, oxygen, and salinity) at each life history stage (early life history stages, adults, reproductive stages). 5) Describe the habitat preferences and tolerances for each life history stage. 6) Describe the reproductive biology. 7) Describe the migratory behavior. 8) Describe the food preferences for each life history stage. 9) Describe the growth rate and lifespan (also in the area of the proposed introduction, if known). 10) Describe the known pathogens and parasites of the species or stock. 11) Describe the behavioural traits (social, territorial, aggressive). D) Interaction With Native Species Page 7 of 11

8 1) What is the potential for survival and establishment of the non-native species if it escapes? (This question applies to species intended for aquaculture or for live rearing in a contained facility.) 2) What habitat(s) will the introduced species likely occupy in the proposed area of introduction and will this overlap with any vulnerable, threatened or endangered species? Indicate if the proposed area of introduction also includes contiguous waters). 3) With which native species will there be a niche overlap? Are there any unused ecological resources of which the species would take advantage? 4) What will the introduced species eat in the receiving environment? 5) Will this predation cause any adverse impacts on the receiving ecosystem? 6) Will the introduced species survive and successfully reproduce in the proposed area of introduction or will annual stocking be required? (This question applies to species not intended for aquaculture or life in a contained facility) 7) Will the introduced species hybridize with native species? Is local extinction of any native species or stocks possible as a result of the proposed introduction? Are there any possible effects of the introduced species on the spawning behaviour and spawning grounds of local species? 8) Are there any potential impacts on habitat or water quality as a result of the proposed introduction? E) Receiving Environment and Contiguous Watershed 1) Provide physical information on the receiving environment and contiguous waterbodies such as seasonal water temperatures, salinity, and turbidity, dissolved oxygen, ph, nutrients and metals. Do those parameters match the tolerances/preferences of the species to be introduced, including conditions needed for reproduction. 2) List species composition (major aquatic vertebrates, invertebrates and plants) of the receiving waters. Are any of these species known to be susceptible to the diseases and parasites found to affect the introduced species in its native range? 3) Provide information on habitat in the area of introduction, including contiguous waters, and identify critical habitat. Which of those parameters match the tolerances/preferences of the species to be introduced? Can the introduced species disturb any of the habitats described? 4) Describe the natural or man-made barriers that should prevent the movement of the introduced organisms to adjacent waters. Page 8 of 11

9 F) Monitoring Procedure for Importation of Aquatic Animals 1) Describe the plans for follow-up assessments of the proposed introduced species success in meeting/breaking the assessed risks of negative impacts on native species and their habitats. G) Precautions and Management Plan 1) Describe the management plan for the proposed introduction or transfer. This should include but not be restricted to the following information: a) details of the disease certification status of stock to be imported; b) disease monitoring plan proposed for the introduced stocks following introduction or transfer; c) precautions taken to ensure that no other species (fellow travellers) accompany the shipment; d) who will be permitted to use the proposed species and under what terms and conditions; e) will there be a pre-commercial phase for the proposed introduction or transfer; f) description of the quality assurance plan for the proposal; and, g) other legislative requirements that need to be met. 2) Describe the chemical, biophysical and management precautions being taken to prevent accidental escape of any fish, parasites and/or pathogens to and their establishment in non-target recipient ecosystems. Give details of the water source, effluent destination, any effluent treatment, proximity to storm sewers, predator control, site security, precautions to prevent escapes. 3) Describe contingency plans to be followed in the event of an unintentional, accidental or unauthorized liberation of the species from rearing and hatchery facilities or an accidental or unexpected expansion of the range. 4) If this proposal is intended to create a fishery, give details of fishery objective. Who would benefit from such a fishery? Give details of a management plan, and, if appropriate, include changes in management plan for species, which will be impacted. Page 9 of 11

10 H) Business Data Procedure for Importation of Aquatic Animals 1) Provide the legal name of the owner and company, the aquaculture licence number and the business licence (if applicable) or the name of the government agency or department with a contact name, telephone, fax and information. 2) Provide an indication as to the economic viability of the proposed project. I) References 1) Provide a detailed bibliography of all references cited in the course of the preparation of the risk assessment. 2) Provide a list of names, including addresses, of scientific authorities and fisheries experts consulted and listed in the information provided. Page 10 of 11

11 APPENDIX IV Information Requirements Application (Abbreviated) 1. Provide a description of your research proposal including the objectives and rationale. 2. Describe the numbers of organisms proposed for introduction (initially, ultimately). Can the project be broken down into different sub-components; if so, how many organisms are involved in each sub-component? 3. Describe the source(s) of the stock (facility) and genetic stock (if known). 4. What is the potential for survival and establishment of the non-native species if it escapes? (This question applies to species intended for aquaculture or for live rearing in a contained facility.) 5. Describe the chemical, biophysical and management precautions being taken to prevent accidental escape of any fish, parasites and/or pathogens to and their establishment in nontarget recipient ecosystems. Give details of the water source, effluent destination, any effluent treatment, proximity to storm sewers, predator control, site security, precautions to prevent escapes. 6. Describe contingency plans to be followed in the event of an unintentional, accidental or unauthorized liberation of the species from rearing and hatchery facilities or an accidental or unexpected expansion of the range. Page 11 of 11