Development of community-based monitoring for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the Canadian Arctic - preparing for increased shipping related to resource development and climate change

Increased shipping in the Canadian Arctic associated with resource development and climate warming will inevitably result in unwanted species introductions. Preventative measures, such as ballast water exchange and treatment and reduction of vessel fouling, are key components for management of aquatic invasive species (AIS). However, these measures are not 100% effective. Thus, in addition to prevention, management should focus on strategies for monitoring and early detection, especially where AIS have not yet established or population levels are still low, as in the Canadian Arctic. Monitoring improves the likelihood of detecting invasions at early stages when there is a greater chance for successful eradication, containment, or to prepare to adapt to the presence of a new species.This project aims to develop a cost-effective approach for the monitoring and early detection of AIS in the Canadian Arctic. This approach will extend current research efforts and includes the following: 1) Updated analysis of shipping vectors to identify high risk pathways; 2) Identification and ranking of key ship-mediated AIS for early detection and monitoring, and geographic locations with highest probability for establishment; 3) Development of genetic early detection methodologies (e.g., environmental DNA or eDNA) for AIS in high risk ports; 4) Establishment of a community based monitoring (CBM) network/capacity.Funds were provided by Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, the Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board and the programs listed in the 'research programs' section below.