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Location: Basin wide Project Summary
Overview Protecting Salmon and Habitat from Aliens! is a two-year project proposal that aims to reduce the impact of aquatic invasive plants on salmon habitat in key watersheds and waterways in BC; thereby protecting the future integrity of salmon habitat. Key actions of the project are to increase public awareness surrounding the impacts of invasive aquatic plants on salmon, and to increase stewardship actions that will improve the health of watersheds and waterways critical to salmon. During Phase 1, scientific data will be summarized and documented from experts in all levels of government, affiliated agencies and organizations, First Nations, and others and used as a foundation for a “Think Tank” on aquatic invasive plants, hosted by the IPCBC. Thru collaboration of an advisory committee, the Invasive Aquatics Protection Plan will be drafted. Field resources and a basic orientation workshop program will also be developed during Phase 1. Priority restoration sites critical to salmon, and high-risk aquatic invasive plants will also be identified thru consensus of participants during the forum. Phase 2 will involve implementation of orientation training workshops; restoration of priority sites to protect salmon habitat; continuance of information delivery to key audiences, and review to formulate future priority actions. Objectives Methods The feasibility of this project and delivery of the above-stated objectives is based on the IPCBC mandate to deliver projects collaboratively and cooperatively; and on the increasing threat of invasive aquatic plants on fragile ecosystems illustrated by current government research and input of experts in the field of invasive plant management and salmon protection. The approach underlying project objectives are reflected in the IPCBC mandate: to work with all members involved in aspects of invasive plant management both collaboratively, and cooperatively, to achieve the over-arching goal of reducing the negative ecological, social, and economic impacts caused by the introduction, establishment, and spread of invasive plants in BC. Building linkages with industry, all levels of government, and private organizations related to this project (ie. Fisheries and oceans Canada aquatic invasive species specialists, Environment Canada and BC Ministry of Environment representatives involved in invasive plant management, First Nations, and others) is integral to the accuracy and efficiency of project outcomes. Members actively involved in IPCBC projects and supporting committees include technical specialists working for government and industry, biologists, regional weed committee coordinators, First Nations representatives, foresters, forest technologists, ranchers, horticulturists, recreation enthusiasts, gardeners, and other concerned individuals. The feasibility of this project is also based on current studies and activities that identify the need for further research and restoration efforts to address the impacts of aquatic invasive plants in BC. For example, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has identified Eurasian Watermilfoil, an aquatic invasive plant, as a risk factor to sockeye salmon that live and spawn in Cultus Lake, then migrate to the North Pacific Ocean through the Fraser River to the Straight of Georgia. This study is just one example of known impacts of aquatic invasive plants on salmon habitat in BC that require increased public awareness and stewardship actions.
Final Results The final report for the study is posted in the orange resource box to the right.
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