Examining risk of, and management strategies for, ship biofouling as a vector of aquatic nonindigenous species to Canada

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Species that have established populations outside of their native range are known as nonindigenous species and those having negative impact as invasive species. The impact of species invasions has become increasingly problematic as globalization has increased both intentional and unintentional species transfers worldwide. Invasive species may impact recipient ecosystems by competing with native species for limited resources and disrupting the natural food web, causing local extinctions and damaging ecosystem function and natural resources in many terrestrial and aquatic systems. International shipping provides an effective dispersal mechanism that allows species to bypass biogeographic barriers and reach areas far beyond their native range. A wide variety of marine species can attach to ship hulls and be moved to distant ports as biofouling. This proposed research will initiate a comprehensive ship biofouling program for Canadian waters by examining the ship operational factors (e.g. sailing speed, port layover time, antifouling management practices, and voyage history) that are associated with higher risk of species introductions. This research will examine the potential for establishment and negative impacts after species are introduced based on climate and prior invasion history. This study will identify which shipping pathways are likely to pose the greatest risk of introduction of aquatic nonindigenous species to Canada by biofouling, and which Canadian ports/locations are most vulnerable to future introductions. This project will develop a decision-support tool that can be used to predict/prioritize ships arriving to Canada for future research or monitoring activities; and will identify a “Canada's least wanted” list of nonindigenous species that could be used to guide monitoring (early detection) activities at the high risk ports/locations. Finally, this project will examine tools for the assessment and management of biofouling, potentially identifying practices that can be used to manage or reduce the risk of new introductions associated with shipping. This research is expected to improve marine transportation practices related to the global transfer of aquatic nonindigenous species. This research will enable government to make regulatory decisions and industry to institute best management practices, based on scientific evidence, that will provide better environmental protection of Canada's aquatic ecosystems.