Vancouver, British Columbia - Threats to biodiversity are being felt across Canada and the world. After habitat loss, invasive species are the second biggest threat to global biodiversity. Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to Canada's waters, economy and society. They can grow quickly, compete with native species and alter habitats.
Today, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, launched the new Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund (AISPF) and provided advanced notice for an upcoming Call for Proposals.
The Government of Canada is investing $36.6 million over five years to fight aquatic invasive species in Canada. This includes $8.75 million in contribution funding for Fisheries and Oceans Canada's newly created AISPF over fiscal years 2022-23 to 2026-27. Eight multi-year projects have received a total of $3.3 million dollars in directed funding for fiscal year 2022-23 of the AISPF. These projects will aim to increase awareness and to take action against the threats posed by aquatic invasive species amongst Canadians, including boaters, anglers, aquarium owners, pet stores, and more.
An upcoming Call for Proposals for the remaining years of funding will launch on May 29, 2023 and run until August 31, 2023.
The AISPF will strengthen partnerships between the federal government, provinces and territories, 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.
Preventing the introduction, establishment and spread of aquatic invasive species is the most cost-effective way of limiting their harm and contributes to the protection of Canada's waters in the fight against biodiversity loss.
