ACAP Humber Arm is pleased to be welcoming Mr. Brooks Pilgrim, Senior Commercial Analyst with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as guest speaker at our next Coastal Matter’s presentation.  Mr. Pilgrim will be speaking on the topic of Aquatic Invasive Species in Newfoundland and Labrador.  An abstract may be found below.

This presentation will take place in Room 3024 of the Forest Centre, Grenfell Campus, 12:30 to 1:30pm, Thursday, June 2^nd.

Coastal Matter’s presentation are free of charge and open to the public.  Tea and coffee will be provided.

Presentation Abstract

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Newfoundland & Labrador

The introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species to ecosystems is a growing threat causing losses in biodiversity, changes in ecosystems, juvenile species population declines and economic impacts.

In recent years, a number of Aquatic Invasive Species have been identified in Newfoundland and Labrador that have the potential to impact commercial fisheries and aquaculture operations, including: Green Crab(Carcinus maenas) in Placentia Bay and St. Georges Bay, Violet Tunicate (Botrylloides violaceus) in Belleoram, Golden Star Tunicate (Botrylloides schlosseri) in Placentia Bay and Hermitage and Coffin Box(Membranipora mambranacea) particularly in Placentia Bay and the West Coast of the island.

Management, Stewardship, Education and Communication efforts are vital in controlling the vectors involved in the transport, introduction and spread of new Aquatic Invasive Species to the province. Collaborative efforts continue in preventing the introduction of species, detecting new invaders early, responding rapidly, and where necessary, managing established and spreading invaders.