Toxic Chemicals in Canadian Seabirds

The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) mandate includes, in addition to
wildlife legislation, the laws and programs of Canada governing the use and
release of toxic chemicals which may harm wildlife or ecosystems. These include
the industrial wastes covered by the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and
pesticides controlled by the Pest Control Products Act. Our strategy is to
focus research and monitoring on the major sources of contaminants, particular
environments of concern and special classes of chemical compounds. Information
is shared with regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Branch
of Environment Canada and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, for
development of control options and, if necessary, for enforcement. In addition
to the more generally distributed toxic chemicals discussed above, tributyltin
is a contaminant mainly of marine ecosystems. An antifouling paint used in
marine paints since the 1960s, it inhibits the attachment of organisms to hulls
of ships and was briefly used on salmon farm net pens. Regulations in the 1980s
restricted its use; however some uses are still allowed and many ships with
tributyltin-based paint still enter local waters. Elevated levels are still
found in local wildlife, particularly in harbours where large numbers of marine
vessels reside. Research focuses on effects on top predators (Bald Eagles,
river otters, Black Oystercatchers) and long term monitoring (seabirds,
seaducks, Great Blue Heron, Double-Crested Cormorants).

Type: Marine