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