Question Period Note: Aquatic Invasive Species

What is the Government doing to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species?

• Our government understands the importance of protecting Canadian waters and is focused on coordinating efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
• Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, and preventing negative impacts to Canada’s biodiversity, economy, and society is a priority for this Government.
• The department works with provinces, territories, Parks Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency to enforce the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations, with a focus on preventing prohibited species from entering Canada.

Aquatic Invasive Species
• The Canadian portion of the Sea Lamprey Control Program (SLCP) was established through the Department in 1954, following ratification of the Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries. The Convention established the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) as part of a binational commitment to control Sea Lamprey for the protection of Great Lakes fish and fisheries.
• The Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations came into force in 2015 under the Fisheries Act to provide tools for federal action and partnerships with provincial and territorial governments, setting significant expectations regarding Canada’s collective ability to manage aquatic invasive species (AIS).
• Budget 2017 provided $43.8 million in funding over five years and $10.8 million ongoing for national AIS management to: establish a national core program; expand and make permanent the Department’s Asian Carp program; and, expand the SLCP and increase Canada’s commitment to the GLFC. Budget 2017 increased Canada’s commitment to the GLFC, the coordinating body for the SLCP, from $8.1 million to $10.6 million ongoing.
• The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development conducted an audit of DFO’s AIS efforts to date and released its findings on April 2, 2019. In response, DFO, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and other partners have developed new protocols, tools, and procedures to improve enforcement of the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations at international borders.
• Budget 2022 identifies an additional $45 million over five years, and $9 million ongoing to enable DFO and the GLFC to increase efforts to control Sea Lamprey, further facilitate collaborative fishery management, and provide additional support to Great Lakes research.
• The 2022 Fall Economic Statement identified $36.6 million in funding over five years from 2022-23 to 2026-27 for DFO for the expansion of the Aquatic Invasive Species Program.
• New investments focus on detecting and responding to imminent AIS invasions, including at international borders, and facilitating on-the-ground action to prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of AIS through partnerships. This will contribute to protecting Canada’s ecosystems, economy, and society from the negative impacts of AIS.
• Funding includes $8.75 million in contribution funding to launch the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund (AISPF) from fiscal years 2022-23 to 2026-27.
o In 2022-23, DFO identified $3.3 million dollars in directed funding for the AISPF, to help advance eight multi-year projects across Canada.
o These projects will aim to increase awareness and action amongst Canadians, including boaters, anglers, aquarium owners, pet stores, and more.
• The AISPF Call for Proposals for the remaining years of funding launched on May 29, 2023, and will run until August 31, 2023.

Miramichi Lake and River
• Smallmouth Bass is a predator and competitor of Atlantic Salmon discovered in 2008 in the area.
• DFO maintains barriers to prevent Smallmouth Bass from escaping Miramichi Lake and annually invests approximately $50,000 on different physical methods for capturing Smallmouth Bass.
• DFO authorised the chemical eradication project in 2021; however, the proponent was met with opposition from community groups and cottage owners throughout 2021 and 2022.
• On September 8, 2022, the proponent completed the first phase of the chemical eradication project by applying rotenone in the Southwest Miramichi river, downstream from Lake Miramichi., however thee second phase of the project was postponed indefinitely because of sustained opposition from the public.
• DFO continues to operate a fish barrier at the Miramichi lake discharge to prevent the spread of smallmouth bass into the Miramichi river system, and will review other proposals that may be submitted to control smallmouth bass in Miramichi lake using pesticides.

If pressed – New Investments to Fight Against Aquatic Invasive Species in Canada
• The 2022 Fall Economic Statement identified $36.6 million over five years to fight aquatic invasive species in Canada.
• Of this funding, $25.6 million will be dedicated to strengthening operations while increasing early detection and response activities, including at international borders, to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering and spreading in Canada.
• The remainder includes $8.75 million in contribution funding to launch the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund to create new partnerships and facilitate on-the-ground preventive actions.

If pressed - Invasive Smallmouth Bass in Miramichi Watershed
• Smallmouth Bass poses a serious threat in the Southwest Miramichi River Watershed.
• The department issued an authorisation to the North Shore Micmac District Council under the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations to use a pesticide to eradicate Smallmouth Bass from the watershed.
• Eradication was completed in a section of the Southwest Miramichi River in 2022, and DFO will continue to consult with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, and to collaborate with partners on potential eradication efforts in the lake, as needed.