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 that present 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 - 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.