Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations Now in Force

Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations under the Fisheries Act were published in the June 17, 2015 edition of Canada Gazette Part II. The regulations are intended to:

prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Canadian waters; and
support management activities to control the spread of aquatic invasive species once introduced into Canada, including efforts to eradicate AIS where feasible, by providing a targeted, national regulatory tool that allows the authorization of these activities under the Fisheries Act.

Invasive species do have the potential to impact water quality, or as in the case with zebra mussels impact intakes or other parts of the treatment process. This legislation is hopefully a positive step towards the management and prevention of these issues.