Preventing aquatic invasive species at Jasper National Park

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) pose a threat to species at risk (SAR), ecological integrity (EI), park infrastructure, and visitor experience. Jasper National Park (JNP) is vulnerable to AIS such as whirling disease transported from other areas in Alberta, and invasive mussels transported from central Canada and the western United States. AIS have the ability to drastically change population abundance and species composition in an aquatic ecosystem, and are the second most prevalent threat to SAR fish in Canada. This project aims to prevent the introduction and manage the spread of AIS to protect aquatic ecosystems, park infrastructure, and visitor experience in JNP. Approach: — Develop an options analysis for the implementation of AIS prevention operations and services based on current research, best practice, and existing service models. — Collaborate cross-functionally with other mountain national parks (MNPs) including Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Waterton Lakes, on the MNP AIS Steering Committee, Working Group, and Monitoring Group. — Collaborate with MNPs to develop regional AIS surveillance methods and protocols for the monitoring of whirling disease, invasive mussels, spiny water flea, and invasive plants. — Collaborate with Simon Fraser University to develop a Masters of Resource Management student project to assess the public value of waterbodies in JNP. This study will estimate user value of JNP waterbodies and combine ecological and commercial value estimates to inform future park management actions related to AIS and park fisheries.