Working Together to Manage Aquatic Invasive Species in the Canadian Waters of the Great Lakes

The Canadian waters of the Great Lakes basin sustain 90% of Ontario’s population and account for 40% of Canada’s economic activity.   The integrity and resource use of the Great Lakes have been impacted by a long history of aquatic invasive species (AIS), and the threat of future invasive species impacts remains.   The Lakes’ vast size, multiple user groups, and many pathways make for a complicated landscape with respect to AIS management.   To further complicate this issue, any one agency with responsibility for prevention or management of AIS in the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes would have limited resources available to dedicate to the AIS threat.  By teaming together, and combining efforts, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and the Invasive Species Centre have the ability to coordinate efforts to meet the significant challenges of protecting the large landscape of the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes.  This presentation will discuss the issues faced in the basin, how a multi-group approach is conducted, and present examples of successes in meeting challenges.