Sherbrooke, Quebec - With the longest coastline on the planet and approximately 20% of the world's freshwater resources, Canada is home to incredibly diverse aquatic ecosystems. However, ecosystem threats are on the rise. After habitat loss, invasive species are the second biggest threat to global biodiversity. Aquatic invasive species can spread quickly, compete with native species, alter habitats, and cost billions of dollars annually in damages.
Today, during Invasive Species Awareness Week, the Honourable Élisabeth Brière, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced more than $3.7 million in contribution funding for seven multi-year projects to combat aquatic invasive species across the country. This funding is a result of a national call for proposals under the $8.75 million Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund (AISPF).
The AISPF aims to strengthen partnerships between federal, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous communities, stakeholders and the general public. These partnerships will facilitate on-the-ground, preventative actions against aquatic invasive species, as well as education, outreach, detection and response activities.
Today's announcement took place at the Regroupement national des conseils régionaux de l'environnement du Québec's (RNCREQ) first National Forum on Aquatic Invasive Species (in French only). RNCREQ received $644,500 in directed AISPF funding in 2023 towards a multi-year project to support regional and interregional collaboration and knowledge sharing within the Province of Quebec, including the creation of this forum. The forum aims to improve prevention and management methods for aquatic invasive species by using the most recent scientific advances.
Prevention is the most efficient and cost-effective way of managing aquatic invasive species. That is why Invasive Species Awareness Week is so important. Each year it aims to raise awareness among Canadians regarding the threat of invasive species, and what they can do to help prevent their introduction and spread. Canadians should always clean, drain and dry their watercraft and equipment after leaving a body of water. And they should never let loose any pets, plants, live bait or food, or sportfish into new bodies of water, drains, or the ocean.
