Recommendations to improve Canada’s marine biosecurity

Abstract

Alien species are species that have been introduced to areas outside of their native range, whether intentionally or unintentionally. A small proportion of alien species will become invasive, meaning they reproduce and spread long distances from where they were first introduced, with the potential to have significant socio-economic impacts, reduce biodiversity, and impact ecosystem services and processes. Globalization and increases in activities such as aquaculture, shipping, fisheries, and the aquarium trade has led to an increased number of alien species introductions in recent decades. While management strategies for invasive species have predominantly been developed for the terrestrial ecosystem, strategies in the marine environment are lacking. This project utilized a systematic literature review to examine how aquatic invasive species are introduced to and move around Canada, what management regulations are in place, and how Canada’s approach differs to other countries. Canada’s biosecurity measures are compared to those of New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. It is recommended that Canada improve intergovernmental cooperation and management, legislation and enforcement, ease of access, monitoring in high-risk areas, and ensure the use of the precautionary approach and adaptive management.