Following on a commitment to crack down on invasive species,such as zebra and quagga mussels, the B.C. government has released a series of
policy intentions for public comment.
A paper summarizing the B.C. government's policy intention to amend the
Controlled Alien Species Regulation has been released, and the public are
invited to share their feedback until Oct. 24.
The proposed amendments will help prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species thatpresent a significant risk to B.C.'s fish and wildlife resources. Main
measures include:
* Significantly reducing the possibility of high-risk aquatic species -
including the snakehead fish - from becoming established in local waters, by
prohibiting the possession, breeding, release or transportation of these
species.
* Combating the introduction of dangerous organisms such as the zebra and
quagga mussels that 'hitchhike' on boats, by requiring that no invasive
mussel, alive or dead, be present on boats or related equipment.
Other changes being recommended include:
* Adding definitions for "accredited zoo or aquarium," "certified
education institution" and "certified research institution" to create
clarity on standards, and allow exemptions to apply for strict educational
or scientific purposes.
* Clarifying which species of monitor lizard are prohibited; typically
those that grow over two metres in length or that otherwise create a
significant threat to public safety.
