Definitions, Related Definitions, References

Definitions

Accidental introduction – Introduction of an aquatic organism, including “fellow travellers”, by chance, not by design. For example, the release of an organism transported in ship's ballast water (= unintentional introduction). <introduction accidentelle>

Aquarium fish – This includes all species of fish and aquatic plants for ornamental use imported or transferred into strict confinement (ICES 2003). <poissons d'aquarium>

Aquatic organisms – This includes all organisms (finfish, molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, and other invertebrates and their lifestages defined as “Fish” in the Fisheries Act, as well as marine and fresh water plants. <organisme aquatique>.

Baitfish – Live (or dead) fish (or other aquatic organisms) placed on a hook or in a trap in order to lure fish. <poisson-appât>

Benefits – Advantages or profits derived as a result of an action (e.g. social or economic benefits from a proposed introduction). <avantages>

Containment facility – A facility that has been specially modified to prevent the release of aquatic organisms to waters outside the facility (includes quarantine facility with treated effluent). Some jurisdictions assign level of containment status to facilities based on defined standards. <installation de confinement>

Enhancement – The release of fish to augment the public resource. This can be accomplished through fish culture techniques or the introduction or transfer of wild fish. <mise en valeur>

Environment – Key components of aquatic ecosystem necessary for fish survival and reproduction. <milieu>

Exotic species – (= introduced species) (Porter 1992). <espèce exotique>

Facility – In the context of fish, all locations holding fish or from which come cultured or wild fish or eggs from wild or cultured fish. <installation>

Fellow traveller – Organism which inadvertently accompanies the shipment of the species intended for introduction/transfer. <organisme associé>

Fish – As defined in the Fisheries Act includes a) parts of fish, b) shellfish, crustaceans, marine animals and any parts of shellfish, crustaceans or marine animals; and c) the eggs, sperm, spawn, larvae, spat and juvenile stages of fish, shellfish, crustaceans and marine animals. <poisson>

Genetic diversity – All of the genetic variation in an individual population or species (ICES 1995, 2003). <diversité génétique>

Hazard – A thing or action that can cause adverse effects (APHRAN 1998). <danger>

Hybrid – Offspring of two animals or plants that are of different species. <hybride>

Import – Movement of aquatic organisms across national or interprovincial boundaries. <importation>

Indigenous (native) species – Existing and having originated naturally in a particular region or environment (ICES 1988). <espèce indigène>

Intentional introduction – The deliberate release, or holding, of live aquatic organisms in open-water or within a facility with flow-through circulation or effluent access to the open-water environment outside its present range. <introduction délibérée>

Introduced species – Any species intentionally or accidentally transported and released by humans into an environment or facility with effluent access to open-water or flow-through system outside its present range(= exotic species, non-indigenous ) (adapted from ICES 2003). <espèce introduite>

Live fish for the food trade – Fish destined strictly for consumption. Imported live fish are held in containment facilities or containment units such as those in restaurants or fish stores. <poisson vivant destiné à la consommation>

Naturalised exotic – Introduced species that have become established and have formed self-sustaining populations (Anon. 1991). <espèce naturalisée>

Niche – The attribute of an organism which defines the boundaries within which it can carry out its life processes. The potential niche of an organism is constrained by the physical environment and interactions with other species producing a realized niche in a particular ecosystem (based on Hutchinson 1957). <niche>

Precautionary Approach – Measures to implement the Precautionary Principle. A set of agreed cost-effective measures and actions, including future courses of action, which ensures prudent foresight, reduces or avoids risk to the resources, the environment, and the people, to the extent possible, taking explicitly into account existing uncertainties and the consequences of being wrong (FAO 1995, 1996). Adapted from Garcia 1996. <approche de précaution>

Province – Includes Territories in Canada. <province>

Quarantine – The facility and/or process by which live organisms and any of their associated organisms can be held/or reared in complete isolation from the surrounding environment. <quarantine>

Range extension – The enlargement of a geographic area that is occupied by a species, usually through intentional human action; the extension is usually incremental (Anon. 1991), over short distances and contiguous. <extension de l'aire de répartition>

Release – The liberation of aquatic organisms to the natural environment. Release can be unintentional, as in the escape of organisms from aquaculture facilities or during use as live bait. <libération>

Risk – The probability of a negative or undesirable event occurring; the likelihood of the occurrence and the magnitude of the consequences of an adverse event; a measure of the probability of harm and the severity of impact of a hazard. <risque>

Risk analysis – The process that includes risk identification, risk assessment, risk management and risk communication. <analyse des risques>.

Risk assessment – The process of identifying and describing the risks of introductions or transfers of aquatic organisms having an impact on fisheries resources, habitat or aquaculture in the receiving waters before such introductions or transfers take place; the process of identifying a hazard and estimating the risk presented by the hazard, in either qualitative or quantitative terms. <évaluation des risques>.

Species – A group of interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively isolated from other such groups (ICES 1988). <espèce>

Stock – A population of organisms which, sharing a common gene pool, is sufficiently discrete to warrant consideration as a self-perpetuating system which can be managed (ICES 1988). <stock>

Strain – A group of individuals with common ancestry that exhibits genetic, physiological or morphological differences from other groups of the same species as a result of husbandry practices (Porter 1992). <souche>

Transfer – The movement of individuals of a species or population of an aquatic organism from one location to another within its present range (ICES 1988). <transfert>

Transgenic organisms – Organisms bearing within their DNA, copies of novel genetic constructs introduced through recombinant DNA technology. This includes novel genetic constructs within species as well as interspecies transfers. Such organisms are usually (but not always) produced by micro-injection of DNA into newly fertilized eggs. <organismes transgéniques>

Watershed – All land and water within the confines of a drainage divide; the whole gathering ground of a river system (Shorter Oxford English Dictionary 1965). <bassin versant>

Related Definitions

Contain – To prevent the escape of an organism (from a facility). <confiner>

Ecology – A branch of science concerned with the inter-relationships of organisms and their environment (ICES 1988). <écologie>

Genetically modified organism – Organism in which genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and or natural recombination (excludes hybrids and polyploids; includes transgenics) (See also Transgenic organisms). <organisme génétiquement modifié>

Genetic containment – Prevent escape to the wild of organisms that can propagate, or allow only the release of organisms that are reproductively sterile. <confinement génétique>

Minimal impact or risk – A change in an environmental attribute that will have, or is predicted to have, little or no consequence to the environment. <répercussions ou risque minime>

Re-introduction – Release of a species to waters from which the species had been previously extirpated (= introduction). <réintroduction>

Risk communication – The open exchange of information and opinion, leading to a better understanding of risk and related decisions; the processes by which the results of the risk assessment and proposed risk management measures are communicated to the Decision-Making Authority and interested parties. <communications connexes à un risque>.

Risk management – The process of selection and implementation of options to reduce, to an acceptably low level, the risk of negative impact of introductions or transfers of aquatic organisms; the process of identifying, evaluating, selecting and implementing alternative measures for reducing risk. <gestion des risques>.

Significant impact – A predicted or measured change in an environmental attribute that should be considered in project decisions, depending on the reliability and accuracy of the prediction and the magnitude of the change within specific time and space boundaries (Beanlands and Duinker 1983). <répercussion importante>

References

The scientific literature covers introductions and transfers extensively. Recent references that are particularly relevant to Canada are given below, as well as the publications referred to in the text.

Anon. 1990a. Policy for Introductions and Transfers of Salmonids in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. MS. DFO, Newfoundland Region and Gulf Region. 7 pp.

Anon. 1990b. A Wildlife Policy for Canada. Wildlife Ministers' Councilof Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service. 29 pp.

Anon. 1991. Report from the Ad Hoc Working Group on Introductions and Transfers of Aquatic Organisms. DFO Biological Sciences Directorate, Ottawa. 10 pp.

Anon. 1992. United States of America national report, 1991-92, on introductions and transfers of marine organisms. Prepared for ICES Working Group on Introductions and Transfers of Marine Organisms, Lisbon, April 14-17, 1992. 44 pp.

Anon. 1993. Harmful non-indigenous species in the United States. US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment. OTA-F-565. Washington DC. US Government Printing Office. 391 pp.

Anon. 1994. Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations of the Intentional Introductions Policy Review. Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Report to Congress. 53 pp.

Anon. 1996. Report to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. Generic nonindigenous aquatic organisms risk review process. Risk Assessment and Management Committee. US Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990. Feb 9, 1996. www.anstaskforce.gov/gennasrev.htm

APHRAN (Animal and Plant Health Risk Assessment Network). 1998. Animal Health Risk Analysis. The Animal Health and Science Division of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Nepean, Ontario. 25 pp.

Balouet, G., Poder, M. and Cahour, A. 1983. Haemocytic parasitosis: morphology and pathology of lesions in the French flat oyster, Ostrea edulis L. Aquaculture 34:1-14.

Beanlands, G. and P.N. Duinker. 1983. An ecological framework for environmental impact assessment in Canada. Institute for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University and Federal Environmental Review Office. 132 pp.

Berry, D.K. and C.E. Stenton. 1993. A decision-making process for the evaluation of fish introductions in Alberta. Alberta Environmental Protection. 29 pp.

Billington, N. and P.D.N. Hebert (eds.). 1991. International Symposium on "The Ecological and Genetic Implications of Fish Introductions (FIN)”. Canadian Journal Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 48(Suppl. 1):181 pp.

Campton, D.E. 1995. Genetic effects of hatchery fish on wild populations of Pacific salmon and steelhead: what do we really know? American Fisheries Society Symposium 15:337-353.

Copp, G.H., R. Garthwaite and R.E. Gozlan. 2003. A risk assessment protocol for freshwater fishes. 12th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species. Windsor 9-12 June 2003. Abstract on page 123 of Conference Abstracts and full powerpoint presentation on http://www.aquatic-invasive-species-conference.org/powerpoint_pdf/Session%20A/Thursday/gordon_copp.pdf

Crawford, S.S. 1997. A review and ecological evaluation of salmonine introductions to the Great Lakes. A report prepared for The Chippewas of Nawash First Nation. RR#5, Wiarton, ON, Canada N0H 2T0. 1 August 1997.

Crawford, S.S. 2001. Salmonine introductions to the Laurentian Great Lakes: An historical review and evaluation of ecological effects. Canadian Special Publication of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 132. 205 pp.

Courtenay, W.R. and J.R. Stauffer, (eds.). 1984. Distribution, biology and management of exotic fishes. John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. 430 pp.

Couturier, C., P. Dabinett, and M. Lanteigne. 1989. Scallop culture in Atlantic Canada. pages 297-340. In A.D. Boghen (ed.). Cold-water Aquaculture in Atlantic Canada. Canadian Institute for Research on Regional Development, Moncton. 410 pp.

Crossman, E.J. 1991. Introduced freshwater fishes: a review of the North American perspective with emphasis on Canada. Canadian Journal Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 48(Suppl. 1):46-57.

Currens, K.P., and C.A. Busack. 1995. A framework for assessing genetic vulnerability. Fisheries 20(12):24-31.

DeVoe, R. (ed). 1992. Proceedings of the Conference and Workshop on Introductions and Transfers of Marine Organisms – achieving a balance between economic development and resource protection. Hilton Head Is., SC Oct. 30 - Nov. 2, 1991. South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium. 198 pp.

Dextrase, A. J. and M.A. Coscarelli. 1999. Intentional introductions of nonindigenous freshwater organisms in North America. pages 61-98. In Claudi, R. and J.H. Leach (eds.) Nonindigenous freshwater organisms: vectors, biology and impacts. Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton. 464 pp

Doubleday, W.G. 2001. Is Atlantic salmon aquaculture a threat to wild stocks in Atlantic Canada? Isuma 2(1):114-120.

Evans, D.O. and C.C. Willox. 1991. Loss of exploited, indigenous populations of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, by stocking of non-native stocks. Canadian Journal Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 48(Suppl.1):34-147.

FAO. 1996. Precautionary Aproach to Fisheries. Part 2: scientific papers. Prepared for the Technical Consultation on the Precautionary Approach to Capture Fisheries (Including Species Introductions). Lysekil, Sweden, 6-13 June 1995. (A scientific meeting organized by the Government of Sweden in co-operation with FAO). FAO Fisheries Technical Paper No. 350 Part 2. Rome, FAO. 1996. 210 pp.

FAO. 2001. Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries No. 2. Precautionary Approach to Capture Fisheries and Species Introductions. Part 6: Precautionary Approach to Species Introduction, pages 29-36, plus ICES 1994 Code of Practice on the Introduction and Transfer of Marine Organisms.

FAO. 2001. Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries No. 2. Part 5: Aquaculture Development. 42 pp.

Garcia S.M. 1996. The precautionary approach to fisheries and its implications for fishery research, technology and management: An updated review. FAO Fish. Tech. Paper 350 Part 2:1-76.

Hnath, J.G. (ed.). 1993. Great Lakes Fish Disease Control Policy and Model Program. Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Special Pub. 93(1):1-37.

Horner, R.W. and R.L. Eschenroder. 1993. Protocol to minimize the risk of introducing emergency disease agents with importation of salmonid fishes from enzootic areas. Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Special Pub. 93-1:39-53.

Hudson, E.B. and Hill, B.J. 1991. Impact and spread of bonamiasis in the U.K. Aquaculture 93:279-285.

Hutchinson, G.E. 1957. Concluding remarks. Cold Spring Harbor Symposium Quantitative Biology 22:415-427.

ICES. 1988. Codes of practice and manual of procedures for consideration of introductions and transfers of marine and freshwater organisms. ICES Co-operative Research Report No. 159. 44 pp.

ICES. 1995. ICES Code of Practice on the Introductions and Transfers of Marine Organisms 1994/Code de Conduite du CIEM pour les Introductions et Transferts d'Organismes Marins 1994.

ICES. 2003. Code of Practice on the Introductions and Transfers of Marine Organisms. http://www.ices.dk/pubs/itmo.pdf.

Jenkins, J.B. 1993. Policy on the Introduction and Transfers of Freshwater and Marine Organisms into the Waters of Prince Edward Island. Dept. Fisheries and Oceans, Charlottetown, PEI. MS. DFO Gulf Region.

Johnsen, B.O. and A.J. Jensen. 1992. Infection of Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar L. by Gyrodactylus salaris Malmberg 1957 in the River Laksekva Misvaer in northern Norway. Journal Fish Biology 40(3):433-444.

Kreuger, C.C. and B. May. 1991. Ecological and genetic effects of salmonid introductions in North America. Canadian Journal Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 48(Suppl. 1):66-77.

Lackey, R.T. 1994. Ecological Risk Assessment. Fisheries 19(9):14-18.

Lange, R.E. and P.A. Smith. 1995. Lake Ontario fishery management: the lake trout restoration issue. Journal Great Lakes Research 21(Suppl. 1):470-476.

Lazenby, D.C., T.G. Northcote and M. Fürst. 1986. Theory, practice and effects of Mysis relicta introductions into North American and Scandinavian lakes. Canadian Journal Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 43:1277-1284.

Leach, J.H. and C.A. Lewis. 1991. Fish introductions in Canada: provincial views and regulations. Canadian Journal Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 48(Suppl. 1):156-161.

Martinez, P.J. and E.P. Bergersen. 1989. Proposed biological management of Mysis relicta in Colorado lakes and reservoirs. North American Journal Fisheries Management 9:1-11.

Mills, E.L., J.H. Leach, J.T. Carlton and C.L. Secor. 1993. Exotic species in the Great Lakes: A history of biotic crises and anthropogenic introductions. Journal Great Lakes Research 19(1):1-59.

National Biological Service. 1996. GIS for Non-indigenous Aquatic Species. http://www.nfrcg.gov/nas/nas.htm.

Newkirk, G.F. 1989. Culture of the Belon oyster, Ostrea edulis, in Nova Scotia. pages 159-179. In A.D. Boghen (ed.). Cold-water Aquaculture in Atlantic Canada. Canadian Institute for Research on Regional Development, Moncton. 410 pp.

Phillip, D.P. 1991. Genetic implications of introducing Florida largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides floridanus. Canadian Journal Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 48(Suppl. 1): 58-65.

Porter, T.R. (ed.). 1992. Protocols for the introduction and transfer of salmonids. North American Commission, North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization, Scientific Working Group on Introductions and Transfers. NAC(92)24. 119 pp.

Ryder, R.A. and S.R. Kerr. 1984. Reducing the risk of fish introductions: a rational approach to the management of integrated cold water communities, pages 510-533. In EIFAC. Introductions and Transplantations - A Symposium on Stock Enhancement the Management of Freshwater Fisheries. Tech. Paper 42. Suppl. Vol. 2.

Stephen, C. 1998. Outline of the decision making process used by the British Columbia Federal-Provincial Fish Transplant Committee. Prepared for the Federal-Provincial Fish Transplant Committee. Centre for Coastal Health, Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo BC. 29 pp.

Stewart, J.E. 1991. Introductions as factors in diseases of fish and aquatic invertebrates. Canadian Journal Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 48(Suppl. 1):110-117.

Waples, R.S. 1991. Genetic interactions between hatchery and wild salmonids: lessons from the Pacific Northwest. Canadian Journal Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 48(Suppl. 1):124-133.