Aquatic Invasive Species Twenty Years of Lessons Learned

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1 A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium, November 20, 2008 Beth Brownson Senior Invasive Species Biologist Ministry of Natural Resources

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3 Defining Invasive Species introduced, non-native, non-indigenous, exotic, alien species are plants, animals or micro-organisms introduced by human action outside their natural past or present distribution invasive species*, or invading species are harmful alien species whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy or society, including human health aquatic invasive species = AIS * Can be native species

4 Key Pathways of Introduction Shipping (ballast & hull fouling) Recreational & commercial boating Movement of live bait Aquarium and water garden trade Live food fish trade Unauthorized introductions (stocking) Canals & water diversions

5 Why the Concern? Ecological impacts from AIS mounting - significant threat to biodiversity - food web disruption - introduction of parasites and disease - degradation of habitat - a leading cause of species at risk Economic costs from AIS mounting 2005 economic losses in Great Lakes Basin $5 billion: - fouled water intakes - reduced value of recreational and commercial fishing - decreased property value Concerns over potential human health risks - West Nile Virus - Increased contaminant burden in fish

6 Number of species TIMELINE OF INTRODUCTIONS now

7 Aquatic Invasive Plants and Animals Plaguing the Great Lakes and Inland Waters Over 180 species have been introduced to the Great Lakes A new invader is discovered every 28 weeks

8 Number of Species Introduced by Key Pathways Plants and Algae Invertebrates Fishes number of species RR-Hwy Bait Aquarium Canals Accidental Unknown Deliberate Cultivars Shipping pathway

9 P1 Ponto Caspian 70% of AIS discovered since 1985 are native to the Ponto-Caspian region

10 Ballast Water and Great Lakes Invasions Ballast Water and Great Lakes Invasions Rate of invasion is correlated with shipping activity Rate of invasion due to shipping did not decrease between despite ballast water exchange regulations (BWE) in the U.S. and voluntary guidelines in Canada Composition of new invaders to the Gr. Lks. has shifted to euryhaline benthic organisms following U.S. BWE regulations/canadian Guidelines Increased number of species from the Ponto- Caspian region In 2006, Transport Canada enacted the Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations 2008 regulations for St. Lawrence Seaway

11 Provincial Regulatory Initiatives P2 Prevention 2004 FWCA restrictions on purchase and sale of invasive fish species 2005 OFR ban on live possession and import of live leeches for use as bait Response to VHS Requirement for HACCP training for bait harvesters 2007 restriction on commercial harvest and sale of crayfish 2007/08 OFR amendments include: improved white list for bait species restrictions on use of crayfish by anglers restrictions on releasing contents of bait containers expanded list of invasive species

12 National Collaboration & Coordination P3 Partners National Committee Coordinate implementation of A Canadian Action Plan to Address the Threat of Current priorities include: Risk assessment Early detection and rapid response Engaging Canadians Federal Regulatory Framework Canadian Network 5 year initiative funded by NSERC Theme 1: Vectors and pathways of invasive, non-indigenous species entry into Canada Theme 2: Factors that affect successful establishment of invasive, non-indigenous species introduced to Canada s s aquatic ecosystems Theme 3: Risk assessment and mitigation strategies

13 MNR/OFAH Invading Species Awareness Program Began in 1992 as a result of zebra mussel invasion Outreach initiatives are conducted on a provincial and regional basis to engage governments, industry, citizens and communities in activities to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species Target specific pathways and user groups Collaboration with provincial, state organizations and agencies Effective media campaigns >500,000 materials distributed across the province 15 summer staff, working with ENGOS and government >150 workshops, events, presentations in 2007 Funding opportunities/shared resources Public service announcements (>1800 radio spots, >200 television spots) Engaging over 300 community groups across the province Reaching 1 million citizens annually

14 The Political Beast P4 We d d like to try out a few procedures on your department before we use them to mess up the entire agency

15 The Political Beast P4 Northern Snakehead Asian Carp

16 Criticism abounds! Environmental Commissioner of Ontario annual reports (02/03 to 05/06) Provincial Auditor General Report 2007 Federal Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development - 02/03 - need provincial invasive species strategy that clearly identified vision, objectives, detailed courses of action, measurable targets and public reporting requirements. - 03/04 - continued emphasis on provincial invasive species strategy and legislation to regulate invasive species - 04/05 concern for invasive species in garden trade - 05/06 - concern over meeting COA commitments including invasive species; addressing escape of exotic animals from zoos - Address gaps in scientific knowledge on long term effects of invasive species - Develop action plans that set priorities for prevention, monitoring, and eradication based on risk assessment - Evaluate and report on effectiveness - Work with federal government for more stringent ballast regulations 2002 Chapter 4 57 observations and recommendations 2008 Chapter 6 Government has made unsatisfactory progress in responding to recommendations made in 2002 report

17 Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife Since 1993 more than 300 Galerucella beetle release sites throughout the province Despite significant program set back in mid-1990s, partners re-assembled and secured resources to continue Follow up monitoring shows impact at more than 80% of original release sites Beetles are spreading far and wide throughout major watersheds Patience P5 and Perseverance P6

18 Gaps and Priorities Better coordination between agencies and jurisdictions Stronger regulations to prevent introductions Strengthen enforcement and surveillance Improve on early detection & rapid response Implement best management practices for industries that are pathways of introduction Support and encourage research Enhance Partnerships to secure more support Enhance communication, education and outreach More strategic, proactive approach MORE RESOURCES

19 What have we really learned in 20 years? The whole issue revolves around the P theory Ponto-Caspian Prevention Partners Politics Patience Perseverance Positive