Melody
Mar 28th 2009, 09:25 AM
http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/ad-images/NoWildRelease-Lrg.jpg
Invasive Aquatic Plants
It is so important for hobbyists to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. When it comes to invasive aquatic plants, ponds can allow them to escape into wild waterways or hobbyists can introduce them through improper disposal.
Spring is the perfect time of year to educate through forums and/or aquarium clubs, especially with pond season commencing. You can also include information when selling/trading plants (thanks to CAC Mod Pamelajo for that suggestion, and for her efforts to increase awareness).
You may order materials online, print this Canadian pamphlet (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Outdoor_Recreation/exotic_aquatics_brochure.pdf) or design your own materials, like this postcard (http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/files/uploaded/download.php?filename=All_choked_up_postcard.pdf), this poster (http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/files/uploaded/download.php?filename=prevent_pond_pests_poster_fi nal.pdf) or this info sheet (http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/files/uploaded/download.php?filename=/info_invasive_species[1].doc). Clubs may wish to contact their local Government Officials and ask for a guest speaker (they'll usually bring lots of printed info with them for distribution). CAC provides free wild release sig file graphics here (http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361), where you can also learn about releasing aquatic creatures.
Used with permission from Habattitude:
What to do with unwanted aquatic plants and animals and how to prevent their escape, without causing harm to the environment
As hobbyists who appreciate the challenge of managing artificial micro-environments, it is important to understand the larger, potential consequences of our hobbies and how we can minimize them.
If you have acquired an undesirable aquatic plant or fish species for your aquarium or water garden, it is important not to release these plants or animals into the environment. While most of these organisms will die, some may be able to survive. And a smaller number of those that do survive have the potential to create negative impacts on our natural environment as well as misperceptions about our hobbies.
So, if you are faced with the situation of having an undesirable species, what can you do? By choosing between several alternatives, you can properly dispose of these unwanted aquatic plants or fish.
It's all about Prevention!
Educate yourself about your hobby's potential environmental consequences.
Like any hobby or activity that shares resources, there is an implicit, yet often unrealized responsibility to conserve these resources. In the case of aquarists, pond owners or water gardeners, our shared resources are water (our aquatic systems) and the live species we keep. By engaging in these activities, we assume certain responsibilities:
To care for the species well-being;
To maintain the "closed" aspect of their artificial environment;
To properly dispose of these species (fish or plants) if they do not fit into our artificial aquatic system;
To be informed of and to follow laws (federal, provincial or municipal) regarding acquisition, collection, possession, purchase, sale and releaseIf we fail to embrace these responsibilities, our hobbies and sources of enjoyment will continue to face greater scrutiny with respect to what we are allowed to do, and will continue to add to negative public misperceptions about these activities.
For more information about your hobby's potential impact on the environment, visit the "Habitats (http://www.habitattitude.ca/en/habitat/)" section of this web site.
Adopt alternatives to release:
Contact a retailer for proper handling advice or for possible returns;
Give or trade them with another aquarist, pond owner or water gardener;
Donate them to a pet store, school, museum, zoo, or advertise to give them away free;
Over-winter your exotic plants indoors or dispose of them in the garbage at the end of the season;
Seal aquatic plants in plastic bags and dispose in trash;
Drain aquarium water on dry land. For more information on contacts and organizations in your region, visit the "Attitudes (http://www.habitattitude.ca/en/Attitudes/)" section of this web site.
Promote these alternatives with fellow hobbyists
Spread the word about Habitattitude;
Join with partner organizations to promote the environmental values associated with your hobby;
Develop a list of contacts and resources in your region to facilitate trades and proper disposal and share them with fellow hobbyists.
Things Hobbyists Should Know
Ornamental fish and aquatic plants represent the majority of the live species purchased by aquarists, backyard pond owners and water gardeners. Oftentimes, these species require special care and environmental conditions. Most hobbyists will seek specific information on which aquatic plants and animals are best suited for the micro- environment they wish to create. Doing this background research before undertaking a project is the best way to ensure its successful completion and also of getting the best return on your investment.
So, if you are planning to start an aquarium or build a backyard pond or water garden, here are a few tips to consider before you undertake your project.
Learn about the invasive species of concern in your region;
Become familiar with the laws (federal, provincial or municipal) that govern acquisition, collection, possession, purchase, sale and release of aquatic plants and animals;
Be well informed about the plant and animal species you plan to acquire. Become familiar with their scientific names so as not to confuse them with other species that may be referred to by the same common name. Learn about their origins, how they reproduce and how to control their spread;
Consider alternative non-invasive native plant species that are adapted to your region;
When considering a location for a backyard pond or water garden, select a site that is protected from flooding and that is far from a natural water course;
When acquiring aquatic plants, make sure they are free of parasites such as other plants, fish and invertebrates that can be found in the soil or water. This can be done by carefully rinsing the plants in clear fresh water until all traces of soil have been removed or by dipping them for 30 seconds in a 10% chloride solution* to remove the parasites and then thoroughly rinsing them in clear fresh water;
Choose a reputable supplier who can provide information on your specific hobby. * Not recommended for submerged plants.
Canadian Information and Resources
Common aquarium/pond plants that can become invasive in Canada:
Butomus umbellatus
Cabomba caroliniana
Eichlornia crassipes
Hydrilla verticillata
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae
Iris pseudacorus
Myriophyllum aquaticum
Myriophyllum spicatum
Nymphoides peltata
Phalaris arundinacea
Phragmites australis
Pistia stratiotes
Potamogeton crispus
Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum
Trapa natans
Prohibited pending risk assessment:
Cardamine impatiens L.
Hydrilla verticillata
Limnophila indica
Limnophila sessiliflora
Ludwigia grandiflora
Ludwigia peruviana
Marsilea quadrifolia
Myriophyllum aquaticum
Najas minor
Nymphoides peltata
Sagittaria sagittifolia
Salvinia minima
Trapa natans
Resources:
Don't Leave Them Stranded (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Outdoor_Recreation/exotic_aquatics_brochure.pdf) printable booklet
Invasive Plants of Canada Project (http://www.plantsincanada.com/)
CWF Canadian Invasive Species Encyclopedia (http://www.cwf-fcf.org/en/resources/encyclopedias/invasive-species/)
Global Invasive Species Database (http://www.issg.org/database)
Native Plant Database (http://www.evergreen.ca/nativeplants/)
Canadian Botanical Conservation Network (http://www.rbg.ca/cbcn/en/index.html)
Hinterland Who's Who (http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?id=220)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/invenv/invenve.shtml)
Department of Fisheries and Oceans (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/canwaters-eauxcan/bbb-lgb/park-parc/species-especes/species-especes_e.asp)
Canada Border Services (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/)
Alberta
Alberta Invasive Plants Council (http://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/)
Common Examples of Invasive Plants (http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/forests/health/w_common.html)
Invasive Weed & Disturbance-caused Herbacious Species List (http://www.cowsandfish.org/pdfs/weeds.pdf)
British Columbia
Invasive Species Resource Sheets (http://www.evergreen.ca/en/cg/cg-resources.html)
Initiatives for Conservation of Biodiversity in British Columbia (http://www.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/techpub/rn321.pdf)
Manitoba
Manitoba Purple Loosestrife Project (http://www.purpleloosestrife.org/)
Invasive Aquatic & Wetland Plants of Manitoba (http://www.invasivespeciesmanitoba.com/)
New Brunswick
Exotic Wildlife Regulation - Fish and Wildlife Act (http://www.gnb.ca/0062/PDF-regs/92-74.pdf)
Newfoundland & Atlantic Provinces:
Botanical Garden Memorial (http://www.mun.ca/botgarden/)
Nova Scotia
Biodiversity Program - Nova Scotia (http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/biodiv/biodiv.htm)
Nunavut
Northwest Territories Biodiversity Action Plan (http://www.nwtwildlife.rwed.gov.nt.ca/Biodiversity%20web%20version%202005/report1.htm)
Ontario
Invading Species Awareness Program (http://www.invadingspecies.com/indexen.cfm)
Invasive Species in the Great Lakes (http://www.great-lakes.net/envt/flora-fauna/invasive/invasive.html)
Invading Species Hotline: 1-800-563-7711
Prince Edward Island
Purple Loosestrife Control Regulations & Weed Control Act (http://www.gov.pe.ca/law/regulations/pdf/W&02-1.pdf)
Québec
Montreal Botanical Garden (http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/jardin.htm)
La Société d'Aquariophilie de Montréal (http://www.aquasam.qc.ca/)
Nature-Action Québec (http://www.nature-action.qc.ca/)
Aquaquébec (http://aquaquebec.net/)
Association régionale des aquariophiles de Québec (ARAQ) (http://www.araq.org/)
Union Saint-Laurent Grands Lacs (http://www.usgl-glu.org/)
Please feel free to post resources or tell us how you or your club are part of the solution!
---------------------------------------------------------
© Please note: While you are welcome to link directly to this thread,
the contents are copyright Melody McKinnon and cannot be copied.
Thank you for respecting the effort that I have put into our content.
---------------------------------------------------------
Invasive Aquatic Plants
It is so important for hobbyists to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. When it comes to invasive aquatic plants, ponds can allow them to escape into wild waterways or hobbyists can introduce them through improper disposal.
Spring is the perfect time of year to educate through forums and/or aquarium clubs, especially with pond season commencing. You can also include information when selling/trading plants (thanks to CAC Mod Pamelajo for that suggestion, and for her efforts to increase awareness).
You may order materials online, print this Canadian pamphlet (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Outdoor_Recreation/exotic_aquatics_brochure.pdf) or design your own materials, like this postcard (http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/files/uploaded/download.php?filename=All_choked_up_postcard.pdf), this poster (http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/files/uploaded/download.php?filename=prevent_pond_pests_poster_fi nal.pdf) or this info sheet (http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/files/uploaded/download.php?filename=/info_invasive_species[1].doc). Clubs may wish to contact their local Government Officials and ask for a guest speaker (they'll usually bring lots of printed info with them for distribution). CAC provides free wild release sig file graphics here (http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361), where you can also learn about releasing aquatic creatures.
Used with permission from Habattitude:
What to do with unwanted aquatic plants and animals and how to prevent their escape, without causing harm to the environment
As hobbyists who appreciate the challenge of managing artificial micro-environments, it is important to understand the larger, potential consequences of our hobbies and how we can minimize them.
If you have acquired an undesirable aquatic plant or fish species for your aquarium or water garden, it is important not to release these plants or animals into the environment. While most of these organisms will die, some may be able to survive. And a smaller number of those that do survive have the potential to create negative impacts on our natural environment as well as misperceptions about our hobbies.
So, if you are faced with the situation of having an undesirable species, what can you do? By choosing between several alternatives, you can properly dispose of these unwanted aquatic plants or fish.
It's all about Prevention!
Educate yourself about your hobby's potential environmental consequences.
Like any hobby or activity that shares resources, there is an implicit, yet often unrealized responsibility to conserve these resources. In the case of aquarists, pond owners or water gardeners, our shared resources are water (our aquatic systems) and the live species we keep. By engaging in these activities, we assume certain responsibilities:
To care for the species well-being;
To maintain the "closed" aspect of their artificial environment;
To properly dispose of these species (fish or plants) if they do not fit into our artificial aquatic system;
To be informed of and to follow laws (federal, provincial or municipal) regarding acquisition, collection, possession, purchase, sale and releaseIf we fail to embrace these responsibilities, our hobbies and sources of enjoyment will continue to face greater scrutiny with respect to what we are allowed to do, and will continue to add to negative public misperceptions about these activities.
For more information about your hobby's potential impact on the environment, visit the "Habitats (http://www.habitattitude.ca/en/habitat/)" section of this web site.
Adopt alternatives to release:
Contact a retailer for proper handling advice or for possible returns;
Give or trade them with another aquarist, pond owner or water gardener;
Donate them to a pet store, school, museum, zoo, or advertise to give them away free;
Over-winter your exotic plants indoors or dispose of them in the garbage at the end of the season;
Seal aquatic plants in plastic bags and dispose in trash;
Drain aquarium water on dry land. For more information on contacts and organizations in your region, visit the "Attitudes (http://www.habitattitude.ca/en/Attitudes/)" section of this web site.
Promote these alternatives with fellow hobbyists
Spread the word about Habitattitude;
Join with partner organizations to promote the environmental values associated with your hobby;
Develop a list of contacts and resources in your region to facilitate trades and proper disposal and share them with fellow hobbyists.
Things Hobbyists Should Know
Ornamental fish and aquatic plants represent the majority of the live species purchased by aquarists, backyard pond owners and water gardeners. Oftentimes, these species require special care and environmental conditions. Most hobbyists will seek specific information on which aquatic plants and animals are best suited for the micro- environment they wish to create. Doing this background research before undertaking a project is the best way to ensure its successful completion and also of getting the best return on your investment.
So, if you are planning to start an aquarium or build a backyard pond or water garden, here are a few tips to consider before you undertake your project.
Learn about the invasive species of concern in your region;
Become familiar with the laws (federal, provincial or municipal) that govern acquisition, collection, possession, purchase, sale and release of aquatic plants and animals;
Be well informed about the plant and animal species you plan to acquire. Become familiar with their scientific names so as not to confuse them with other species that may be referred to by the same common name. Learn about their origins, how they reproduce and how to control their spread;
Consider alternative non-invasive native plant species that are adapted to your region;
When considering a location for a backyard pond or water garden, select a site that is protected from flooding and that is far from a natural water course;
When acquiring aquatic plants, make sure they are free of parasites such as other plants, fish and invertebrates that can be found in the soil or water. This can be done by carefully rinsing the plants in clear fresh water until all traces of soil have been removed or by dipping them for 30 seconds in a 10% chloride solution* to remove the parasites and then thoroughly rinsing them in clear fresh water;
Choose a reputable supplier who can provide information on your specific hobby. * Not recommended for submerged plants.
Canadian Information and Resources
Common aquarium/pond plants that can become invasive in Canada:
Butomus umbellatus
Cabomba caroliniana
Eichlornia crassipes
Hydrilla verticillata
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae
Iris pseudacorus
Myriophyllum aquaticum
Myriophyllum spicatum
Nymphoides peltata
Phalaris arundinacea
Phragmites australis
Pistia stratiotes
Potamogeton crispus
Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum
Trapa natans
Prohibited pending risk assessment:
Cardamine impatiens L.
Hydrilla verticillata
Limnophila indica
Limnophila sessiliflora
Ludwigia grandiflora
Ludwigia peruviana
Marsilea quadrifolia
Myriophyllum aquaticum
Najas minor
Nymphoides peltata
Sagittaria sagittifolia
Salvinia minima
Trapa natans
Resources:
Don't Leave Them Stranded (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Outdoor_Recreation/exotic_aquatics_brochure.pdf) printable booklet
Invasive Plants of Canada Project (http://www.plantsincanada.com/)
CWF Canadian Invasive Species Encyclopedia (http://www.cwf-fcf.org/en/resources/encyclopedias/invasive-species/)
Global Invasive Species Database (http://www.issg.org/database)
Native Plant Database (http://www.evergreen.ca/nativeplants/)
Canadian Botanical Conservation Network (http://www.rbg.ca/cbcn/en/index.html)
Hinterland Who's Who (http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?id=220)
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/invenv/invenve.shtml)
Department of Fisheries and Oceans (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/canwaters-eauxcan/bbb-lgb/park-parc/species-especes/species-especes_e.asp)
Canada Border Services (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/)
Alberta
Alberta Invasive Plants Council (http://www.invasiveplants.ab.ca/)
Common Examples of Invasive Plants (http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/forests/health/w_common.html)
Invasive Weed & Disturbance-caused Herbacious Species List (http://www.cowsandfish.org/pdfs/weeds.pdf)
British Columbia
Invasive Species Resource Sheets (http://www.evergreen.ca/en/cg/cg-resources.html)
Initiatives for Conservation of Biodiversity in British Columbia (http://www.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/techpub/rn321.pdf)
Manitoba
Manitoba Purple Loosestrife Project (http://www.purpleloosestrife.org/)
Invasive Aquatic & Wetland Plants of Manitoba (http://www.invasivespeciesmanitoba.com/)
New Brunswick
Exotic Wildlife Regulation - Fish and Wildlife Act (http://www.gnb.ca/0062/PDF-regs/92-74.pdf)
Newfoundland & Atlantic Provinces:
Botanical Garden Memorial (http://www.mun.ca/botgarden/)
Nova Scotia
Biodiversity Program - Nova Scotia (http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/biodiv/biodiv.htm)
Nunavut
Northwest Territories Biodiversity Action Plan (http://www.nwtwildlife.rwed.gov.nt.ca/Biodiversity%20web%20version%202005/report1.htm)
Ontario
Invading Species Awareness Program (http://www.invadingspecies.com/indexen.cfm)
Invasive Species in the Great Lakes (http://www.great-lakes.net/envt/flora-fauna/invasive/invasive.html)
Invading Species Hotline: 1-800-563-7711
Prince Edward Island
Purple Loosestrife Control Regulations & Weed Control Act (http://www.gov.pe.ca/law/regulations/pdf/W&02-1.pdf)
Québec
Montreal Botanical Garden (http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/jardin.htm)
La Société d'Aquariophilie de Montréal (http://www.aquasam.qc.ca/)
Nature-Action Québec (http://www.nature-action.qc.ca/)
Aquaquébec (http://aquaquebec.net/)
Association régionale des aquariophiles de Québec (ARAQ) (http://www.araq.org/)
Union Saint-Laurent Grands Lacs (http://www.usgl-glu.org/)
Please feel free to post resources or tell us how you or your club are part of the solution!
---------------------------------------------------------
© Please note: While you are welcome to link directly to this thread,
the contents are copyright Melody McKinnon and cannot be copied.
Thank you for respecting the effort that I have put into our content.
---------------------------------------------------------