JULY 2018 Invasive Mussel Prevention Framework for Western Canada Pacific Northwest economic region estimates that the annual region-wide cost of a zebra and quagga mussel infestation in the northwest would be $500 million Image: ThirdwavephotoInvasive Mussel Prevention Framework for Western Canada | 2018 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Invasive Mussel Prevention For more information or questions on Framework for Western Canada this report, please contact: was prepared for the Pacific North- west Economic Region (PNWER) Matt Morrison, Chief Executive Officer as a common shared call to action for PNWER | pnwer.org Western Canada. The development of this [email protected] report builds on the previous leadership and background report provided by PNWER, Gail Wallin, Executive Director including the Advancing a Regional Defense Invasive Species Council of BC | bcinvasives.ca Against Invasive Mussels in the Pacific [email protected] Northwest. The development of the Invasive Mussel Prevention Framework for Western Canada “The introduction and sub- was made possible thanks to the direction sequent invasion of Dreissenid and contributions from a wide range of mussels has resulted in governments, industries and organizations far-ranging costs to the from across Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta infrastructure and operations and Saskatchewan, including the PNWER of many Canadian Hydropower Invasive Species Working Group. The origi- Association (CHA) member nal Framework was released in 2016 and is organizations. Further, the now updated in 2018, based on input from a wide range of contributors. impact on biodiversity and water quality on the systems Thank you to all the contributors that in which our members operate helped shape the Invasive Mussel Preven- has also been significant. The tion Framework for Western Canada. All CHA supports the Western the knowledge, perspectives, and financial Canada Invasive Mussel support greatly assisted the Framework’s Prevention Framework and its development to ensure that it serves as a joint stated objectives to proactively ‘call to action’ for all of us. There is no doubt that working across and beyond boundaries prevent and protect its waters is key to preventing the introduction of from the detrimental economic, invasive mussels to Western Canada. environmental and societal impacts of these species.” Participation in the Framework development Ed Wojczynski, Canadian Hydropower does not imply endorsement nor commit- Association President ment to specific actions. Invasive Mussel Prevention Framework for Western Canada | 2018 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Pacific Northwest is the only prevention at the regional, provincial and region of the United States and territorial levels. Canada that does not have an estab- lished population of invasive mussels. This Framework serves to guide a collab- orative approach to coordinated action The estimated costs resulting from an inva- against the risks of invasive mussels, and sive mussel invasion in the Pacific Northwest to promote prevention efforts as a first region is estimated to exceed $500 million line of defence. annually, and the ecological impacts are overwhelming1. In addition to the overarching goal of having invasive mussels contained at the source, The Invasive Mussel Prevention Framework this Framework identifies five key recom- for Western Canada serves as a voluntary mendations to help ensure that invasive collective call to action for governments, mussels are not established in Western businesses and community organizations Canada. who are choosing to work together to prevent the introduction of invasive 1. Develop and foster long-term, mussels in Western Canada. This Frame- sustainable funding solutions for invasive work identifies some shared key priorities mussles by all parties including federal, and actions that can help serve to guide provincial/territory and private partners organizational planning and initiatives. to prevent the introduction of invasive mussels in Western Canada in order to For the purpose of this Framework, Western avoid perpetual annual response costs. Canada is defined to include British Co- lumbia, Yukon, Alberta and Saskatchewan. 2. Enhance the perimeter defense system Across all perspectives, there is a clear de- including strengthening the capacity sire to prevent introductions by cooperating and communication across watercraft on a defense strategy that includes inter- inspection and decontamination efforts cepting infested boats from entering West- across all borders- internationally and ern Canada. The defense strategy includes within Western Canada. prevention, monitoring, rapid response 3. Support and grow the involvement and management capabilities, an educat- of key partners in preventing the ed, aware and involved public, enhanced introduction of invasive mussels across tools and resources, and improved com- Western Canada. munication and coordination. Increased collaboration on pro-active, preventable measures across all levels of government, businesses and non-governmental organiza- 1. Advancing Regional Defense Against Invasive Mussels – A report prepared by the Pacific Northwest Economic Region tions is clearly called for to ensure effective and Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Invasive Mussel Prevention Framework for Western Canada | 2018 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (Cont) 4. Increase focus on education, awareness This Framework recognizes the leadership of and consistent messaging to ensure that provincial and territorial governments with governments, key stakeholders, pathway the Inter-Provincial Territorial Agreement groups and industry have current for Co-ordinated Regional Defense Against information and consistent messaging. Invasive Species (2016) which also reflects a collaborative and coordinated 5. Increase research on key information approach to invasive mussel prevention needs for invasive mussels within across Western Canada. Western Canada. Other recommendations include: 6. Ensure all needed treatment tools for What are invasive mussels and immediate response options for invasive where did they come from? mussel treatment are registered for use in each province and territory. The invasive freshwater mussels described in this 7. Facilitate, through PNWER, consistent Framework are the Zebra and comprehensive national border mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and cross-border training for United States and Canada border patrol officers, and the Quagga mussel (D. equipping them with the necessary rostriformis bugensis). Both information, materials, and training to of these invasive mussels are effectively prevent infested conveyances from the Family Dreissenidae, from crossing international borders. Subfamily Dreisseninae, Genus Congeria, Genus Across Western Canada there is a dedicated Dreissena. These invasive passion by leaders, individuals, industries, governments and community groups to mussels are native to the protect Western Canada from the long-term Ponto-Caspian Region of impacts created by invasive mussels. Eastern Europe and were first Success requires an effective perimeter introduced to North America defense, awareness and support at the in the Laurentian Great Lakes policy level, necessary resources and coop- in the mid 1980’s through the eration at all levels to harmonize approaches release of ship’s ballast water.2 to ensure effective use of capacity and investments. The Invasive Mussel Preven- tion Framework for Western Canada aims to reflect this collaborative call for action at all levels and across all jurisdictions. 2. Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada Invasive Mussel Prevention Framework for Western Canada | 2018 4 CONTENTS Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................... 2 Executive summary ..................................................................................................... 3 Background ................................................................................................................. 6 Purpose and Scope ...................................................................................................... 7 Key Partners Involved in Invasive Mussel Prevention Efforts ........................................ 8 Invasive Mussel Prevention Framework ....................................................................... 9 Recommendation One: Develop long term sustainable funding .................................10 Recommendation Two: Enhance the perimeter defense system .................................11 Recommendation Three: Grow the support of key partners ......................................12 Recommendation Four: Increase focus on education, awareness & consistent messaging ..........................................................................13 Recommendation Five: Increase research .................................................................14 Appendix 1. Links to Key Documents ..........................................................................15 Appendix 2. Provincial Invasive Species Council Actions .............................................16 Appendix 3. Provincial Invasive Species Councils ........................................................17 Appendix 4. Invasive Mussel Current Distributions and Probability of Invasion ...........18 Invasive Mussel Prevention Framework for Western Canada | 2018 5 BACKGROUND For two decades, invasive mussels prevent invasive mussels from successfully have been invading freshwater entering the