Appendix III: Information Requirements

Table of Contents

To be completed by proponent

Wherever possible, information is to be supported with references from the scientific literature, and notations to personal communications with scientific authorities and fisheries experts. Applications lacking detail may be returned to the proponent for additional material, resulting in a delay in assessing the proposal.

For some proposals, e.g., intraprovincial transfers or other routine introductions/transfers, the information requirement may be reduced significantly. The local Introductions and Transfers Committee should be consulted in such cases.

A) Executive Summary:

Provide a brief summary of the document including a description of the proposal, the potential impacts on native species and their habitats and mitigation steps to minimize the potential impacts on native species.

B) Introduction

  1. Name (common and scientific [genus and species]) of the organism proposed for introduction or transfer.
  2. Describe the characteristics, including distinguishing characteristics, of the organism. Include a scientific drawing or photograph.
  3. Describe the history in aquaculture, enhancement or other introductions (if appropriate).
  4. Describe the objectives and rationale for the proposed introduction, including an explanation as to why such an objective cannot be met through the utilization of an indigenous species.
  5. What alternate strategies have been considered in order to meet the objectives of the proposal? What are the implications of a “do nothing” option?
  6. What is the geographic area of the proposed introduction? Include a map.
  7. Describe the numbers of organisms proposed for introduction (initially, ultimately). Can the project be broken down into different sub-components; if so, how many organisms are involved in each sub-component?
  8. Describe the source(s) of the stock (facility) and genetic stock (if known).

C) Life History Information of the Species to be Introduced or Transferred - For Each Life History Stage

  1. Describe the native range and range changes due to introductions.
  2. Record where the species was introduced previously and describe the ecological effects on the environment of the receiving area (predator, prey, competitor, and/or structural/functional elements of the habitat).
  3. What factors limit the species in its native range.
  4. Describe the physiological tolerances (water quality, temperature, oxygen, and salinity) at each life history stage (early life history stages, adults, reproductive stages).
  5. Describe the habitat preferences and tolerances for each life history stage.
  6. Describe the reproductive biology.
  7. Describe the migratory behavior.
  8. Describe the food preferences for each life history stage.
  9. Describe the growth rate and lifespan (also in the area of the proposed introduction, if known).
  10. Describe the known pathogens and parasites of the species or stock.
  11. Describe the behavioural traits (social, territorial, aggressive).

D) Interaction With Native Species

  1. What is the potential for survival and establishment of the non-native species if it escapes? (This question applies to species intended for aquaculture or for live rearing in a contained facility.)
  2. What habitat(s) will the introduced species likely occupy in the proposed area of introduction and will this overlap with any vulnerable, threatened or endangered species? Indicate if the proposed area of introduction also includes contiguous waters).
  3. With which native species will there be a niche overlap? Are there any unused ecological resources of which the species would take advantage?
  4. What will the introduced species eat in the receiving environment?
  5. Will this predation cause any adverse impacts on the receiving ecosystem?
  6. Will the introduced species survive and successfully reproduce in the proposed area of introduction or will annual stocking be required? (This question applies to species not intended for aquaculture or life in a contained facility)
  7. Will the introduced species hybridize with native species? Is local extinction of any native species or stocks possible as a result of the proposed introduction? Are there any possible effects of the introduced species on the spawning behaviour and spawning grounds of local species?
  8. Are there any potential impacts on habitat or water quality as a result of the proposed introduction?

E) Receiving Environment and Contiguous Watershed

  1. Provide physical information on the receiving environment and contiguous waterbodies such as seasonal water temperatures, salinity, and turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, nutrients and metals. Do those parameters match the tolerances/preferences of the species to be introduced, including conditions needed for reproduction.
  2. List species composition (major aquatic vertebrates, invertebrates and plants) of the receiving waters. Are any of these species known to be susceptible to the diseases and parasites found to affect the introduced species in its native range?
  3. Provide information on habitat in the area of introduction, including contiguous waters, and identify critical habitat. Which of those parameters match the tolerances/preferences of the species to be introduced? Can the introduced species disturb any of the habitats described?
  4. Describe the natural or man-made barriers that should prevent the movement of the introduced organisms to adjacent waters.

F) Monitoring

  1. Describe the plans for follow-up assessments of the proposed introduced species' success and how the negative impacts on native species and their habitats will be assessed.

G) Precautions and Management Plan

  1. Describe the management plan for the proposed introduction or transfer. This should include but not be restricted to the following information:
    • details of the disease certification status of stock to be imported;
    • disease monitoring plan proposed for the introduced stocks following introduction or transfer;
    • precautions taken to ensure that no other species (fellow travellers) accompany the shipment;
    • who will be permitted to use the proposed species and under what terms and conditions;
    • will there be a pre-commercial phase for the proposed introduction or transfer;
    • description of the quality assurance plan for the proposal; and,
    • other legislative requirements that need to be met.
  2. Describe the chemical, biophysical and management precautions being taken to prevent accidental escape of any fish, parasites and/or pathogens to and their establishment in non-target recipient ecosystems. Give details of the water source, effluent destination, any effluent treatment, proximity to storm sewers, predator control, site security, precautions to prevent escapes.
  3. Describe contingency plans to be followed in the event of an unintentional, accidental or unauthorized liberation of the species from rearing and hatchery facilities or an accidental or unexpected expansion of the range.
  4. If this proposal is intended to create a fishery, give details of fishery objective. Who would benefit from such a fishery? Give details of a management plan, and, if appropriate, include changes in the management plans for species which will be impacted.

H) Business Data

  1. Provide the legal name of the owner and company, the aquaculture licence number and the business licence (if applicable) or the name of the government agency or department with a contact name, telephone, fax and email information.
  2. Provide an indication as to the economic viability of the proposed project.

I) References

  1. Provide a detailed bibliography of all references cited in the course of the preparation of the risk assessment.
  2. Provide a list of names, including addresses, of scientific authorities and fisheries experts consulted.