November 21 @ 1 p.m. CST: "Updates on Aqatic Invasive Species (AIS): Zebra Mussels and Decontamination Practices"
Brendan Spearin (Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada), Chris Herc & Michaela Novak (Territorial Planning Unit - Grand Council Treaty #3)
Summary
In this webinar, participants will gain insights into the growing challenges of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Canadian waters. AIS threatens biodiversity, disrupts ecosystems, and creates costly impacts for communities, industries, and governments. This one-hour session will provide an opportunity to better understand the risks AIS pose in the Lake of the Woods watershed and beyond, and what is being done at both the local and national levels to respond.
The session will highlight collaborative work between Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Grand Council Treaty #3 to monitor and manage the spread of invasive species. Recent initiatives and research will be shared, along with the tools and strategies being used to prevent new introductions. Particular focus will be given to zebra mussel early detection monitoring across Treaty #3 Territory and results to date, the first season of operating a boat decontamination station in Kenora, and other project highlights from this partnership.
We hope you will join us! As always, come prepared with your questions and reflections. Please note: the session will be recorded and made available afterward on the LOWWSF website.
About the Presenters:
Brendan Spearin is Fisheries and Oceans Canada's (DFO) Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for the Prairies. Since 2017 he has been working with Federal and Provincial partners to manage AIS threats such as Zebra Mussel through outreach, early detection, response, and management actions. This includes piloting the first joint Canada Border Services Agency-DFO watercraft inspection program, and spearheading initiatives like the Highway 1 Blitz work.
Chris Herc is the Environmental Manager for Grand Council Treaty #3. In this role he works with the 28 First Nation communities of Treaty #3 to protect and preserve the traditional lands and waters of Treaty #3 through developing and strengthening environmental monitoring initiatives and capacity building across the Nation.
Michaela Novak earned a B.Sc. in Biology and a Certificate in Indigenous Studies from Dalhousie University, in which she focused on the protection of aquatic species while incorporating holistic methods of conservation. She is the Invasive Species Coordinator for Grand Council Treaty #3, leading monitoring for terrestrial and aquatic invasive species across Treaty #3 Territory.