Research into Aquatic Invasive Species Supported by Provincial Government

A comprehensive monitoring program aimed at collecting data on aquatic invasive species in the Bay of Islands will receive funding support from the Provincial Government. The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announced $14,415 to help the Atlantic Coastal Action Program organization in Humber Arm (ACAP Humber Arm) with the project.

“This monitoring program will be beneficial in the region, as it will help protect against the economic and ecological impacts that Aquatic invasive species can have on our fishery,” said Minister Dalley. “The Provincial Government is pleased to provide more than $14,000 to support this project, which will provide valuable data to inform future mitigation measures.”

An example of an aquatic invasive species is green crab, which has recently appeared in provincial waters and can negatively impact native species, habitats, ecological structures, and aquaculture. ACAP Humber Arm, a not-for-profit community-based program that promotes marine environmental stewardship, will monitor the population and spread of aquatic invasive species in the area, and also build awareness in the region about the threat posed by these species.

“There have been reports of green crab in the Bay of Islands, but no formal documentation of the presence of the species before now,” said Sheldon Peddle, Executive Director of ACAP Humber Arm. “With the support of the Provincial Government we have been able to document the presence and distribution of this alien species, and begin eradication measures to mitigate impacts on native species and marine habitats."

Since 2010, the Provincial Government has committed more than $12 million toward fisheries science to support studies that monitor the status of various fish stocks, as well as the ocean environment and ecosystem that they inhabit.

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2013 08 28                                        10:55 a.m.