Turn off accessible linear format and redisplay the web page in it's original layout. Invasive Alien Species
What saps Canada's economy of billions of dollars annually, threatens the diversity of native animals and plants, and is even a risk to our health? While the impacts are enormous, the answer can be microscopic: invasive alien species.
These are animals, plants or micro-organisms either accidentally or deliberately introduced into Canada that damage the environment, economy or even our health. From Canada's farms to cities, these exotic pests are now household names: Dutch Elm disease, zebra mussels, West Nile disease and the Asian Long Horned Beetle.
It's an age-old problem that's only getting worse with increasing globalization. And it's a problem that needs scientific insight for solutions. With this in mind, the Government of Canada has identified invasive alien species as a top priority for integrated science and technology.
At the heart of Canada's proactive approach to battling invasive alien species is the newInvasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada. Led by Environment Canada, the strategy involves the coordinated input of 15 departments of the Government of Canada.
The strategy takes a preventative approach. This involves setting up "road blocks" along the key pathways which bring unwanted species into Canada.
Discharged ballast water from ships is the largest single source of unwanted aquatic "hitchhikers" into Canada. To battle this, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is conducting research exploring a range of issues including identifying the species found in ballast water, where this water can be safely released and innovative new ways to treat the water prior to its release.
Scientists at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are developing new ways to predict which foreign plant species and their insect and microbial pests could cause biological havoc in Canada. They're also developing ways to quickly limit the spread of already introduced pests. For example, in collaboration with the Canadian Forest Service of Natural Resources Canada, CFIA is helping to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer in southern Ontario.
It's all research that's informing Canada's international efforts to stop these unwelcome species before they even arrive. In 2004, Canada's input on the International Plant Protection Convention helped ensure a new requirement that all international packing materials be treated with pesticide.
Science Issues / Invasive Species /
Aquatic Invaders in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence
Find information on oyster thief, clubbed tunicate, and green crab, all invasive species in the aquatic environment of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Science and Technology
Read information about the Science and Technology Unit, which is responsible for managing the review and selection of research and development projects at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Canadian Forest Service - Science
Find out how the Canadian Forestry Service is using science to intercept, identify and limit the impact of forest pests, and about research on biodiversity, biotechnology, climate change, ecology, silviculture and forest fires.
Canadian Waters – Big Blue Bus – Kid’s Corner – The Park – Beware! Invasives Lurk Beneath!
Kids, find information on invasive species, which are invaders from other ecosystems. These invaders can be plants or animals, or even bacteria that have been moved from their home ecosystem into another ecosystem.
International Maritime Organization
Access news, links, publications and more from the International Maritime Organization.
Invasive Alien Species - Canadian Biodiversity Information Network
Learn about invasive alien species and the threats they pose to Canada's environment, economy and society, as well as to human health.
Minimising the Spread of Invasive Species
Find out how invasive species find their way into water habitats, and review simple procedures that can be used to minimize their spread.
Plant Health Division
Link to information on preventing the spread and introduction of regulated pests of plants and plant products.
Sea Lamprey Control
Find information on the program responsible for keeping sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes basin at a minimum.
