| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are nonindigenous species that impact, or have the potential to impact, the ecology, economy, and social opportunities of the Columbia Basin. In recognition of these concerns, the Columbia Basin Trust and four regional invasive species committees operating in this region (Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee, East Kootenay Invasive Plant Council, Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society and Northwest Invasive Plant Council) are developing or expanding their current AIS programs. The purpose of this document is to provide a framework for regional committees and their partners to promote a proactive, strategic, collaborative and coordinated approach to AIS prevention and management. The primary focus of this program is to prevent the introduction and establishment of aquatic invasive species (such as zebra and quagga mussels) as well as to enhance coordination, response, and management of other priority aquatic invasive species. This program applies to the Columbia Basin Trust portion of the Canadian Columbia Basin in south_eastern British Columbia. Since many species are introduced and spread in the same ways, addressing the pathways and vectors, rather than focusing on species, is an effective approach. This program framework sets out two key strategies for addressing this pathway: boat decontamination and public outreach. Prevention is aimed at outreach for human_assisted pathways of introduction and spread, including recreational water activities (e.g. boating, angling, diving), horticultural and water garden trade, pet and aquarium trade, intentional illegal fishing introductions, and marine works and water_based restoration activities. Prevention also includes increased efforts toward watercraft inspection and decontamination since one of the highest risk pathways of introduction, particularly for zebra and quagga mussels, is by contaminated watercraft. Focal aquatic invasive species have been identified for this program based on pathways of introduction, probability of establishment, current distribution, and potential impacts. The management approach for each group of species has been outlined depending on the role of the provincial government (i.e. some species are provincial EDRR species), the scope and expertise of regional committees (e.g. currently regional committees do not have invasive fish expertise), and the feasibility of management actions given available tools. The program framework is designed to reflect shared goals and priorities and to facilitate a coordinated approach and may be undertaken by regional committees and partner organizations. The timeline, organization(s) responsible, and details for each task will be identified in regional committee annual work plans. Local and regional stewardship groups and other partners are encouraged to work with their regional committees to identify projects and actions that work towards the goals of these program areas. The five areas of focus for the AIS Program are Coordination and Collaboration, Outreach and Prevention, Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination, Monitoring and Research, and Response and Management. For each of these program areas, Goals and Action Items are identified. |
