OFAH regards new Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations as positive step forward

OFAH FILE: 842
December 5, 2014
For Immediate Release

OFAH regards new Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations as positive step forward

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) is pleased to see the federal government’s continued commitment to addressing the threat of aquatic invasive species. Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea announced a new set of regulations during a press conference in London, Ont. on Dec. 5 that aim to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species such as Asian carps and zebra mussels.

The proposed Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations would provide a national regulatory framework to help prevent intentional and unintentional introductions of aquatic invasive species in Canada from other countries, across provincial and territorial borders, and between ecosystems within a region. It would also include response and control activities such as giving Canadian Border Services Agency officers the ability to enforce prohibitions against import at the Canadian border, the government announced.

“We have all seen the damage invasive species can wreak on our fish and wildlife resources,” said Matt Smith, coordinator of the OFAH Invading Species Awareness Program. “To have the best chance to protect our natural resources for generations to come, the time to act is now. The proposed Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations are a positive step forward and we are looking forward to seeing how they can be used to better manage aquatic invasive species across Canada.”

The OFAH is home to the Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) and works in partnership with the MNRF to provide a program of public education and information on invasive species. The ISAP works to promote early detection of both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, with the aim of preventing the introduction and spread of these species into sensitive ecosystems.

“Our oceans, rivers, and streams and the fisheries they support are a part of our Canadian identity and their conservation is of critical importance,” Smith said. “We are proud to be a part of a collective movement towards stronger aquatic invasive species management.”

The proposed Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations will be published on December 6, 2014 in the Canada Gazette, Part I, for a 30-day public comment period.

For more information go to www.ofah.org or www.invadingspecies.com. With 100,000 members, supporters and subscribers, and 725 member clubs across Ontario, the OFAH is the VOICE of anglers and hunters and Ontario’s largest and oldest fish and wildlife conservation organization. Visit us on Facebook (ofah.org/facebook) and follow us on Twitter (@OFAH).

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