Introduction
The aim of this management plan is to initiate immediate and serious efforts toward the significant demobilization of the current invasion of zebra mussels taking place in the St. Lawrence Seaway (specifically Cornwall). by instituting deliberate plans of control, management, prevention and early detection. .
Successful execution will establish durable, enduring methods of control of the current St. Lawrence Seaway environmental crisis, impose a reliable framework that maintains recovery conditions by implementing the necessary elements for an effective and a comprehensive strategy for the continued management and prevention/early detection of potential future invasions. The implications of this strategy are to maintain the restored areas and to promote education, awareness and funding in order to protect the future of the seaway.
Major Issues:
1. The transport of Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) throughout the St. Lawrence Seaway, specifically the Cornwall area, and subsequent devastating infestation via:
• intercontinental boats
• aquatic weeds entangled in recreational boat props
• bilge water
• a variety of inanimate carriers such as anchors, boat bottoms, bait buckets and pipes
2. The presences of these particular invasive species inflict calamitous impacts on ecosystems by systematically removing most of the food for the microscopic populations, thereby adversely affecting the success of the early life stages of fish and other animals.
3. The expansive spread of Zebra mussel populations can inadvertently starve the local species populations.
4. A comprehensive and strict strategy must be implemented prior, during, and post-operations in order to maintain the integrity of the project and ...
... middle of paper ...
... manage the prevention and aid in detection of new outbreaks. A strategy must be installed to generate a continued public awareness to combat further invasion. Check points will be implanted enforcing clean entry through access points along with warning signs for easy identification.
Geomatics Technologies & Equipment
• ArcGIS ArcMap 10.1
• Diving Surveyors
• Benthic Mats
• RTG Differential GPS
• CTD
Any Foreseeable Obstacles
o In order for the project to provide the intended long term protection of the restored area, public/community awareness and support is crucial.
o The resources required to provide sufficient management and control of the area will be costly.
o Consistent and competent funding is required in order to sustain the results.
o Prevention remains the critical practice when avoiding re-infestations of the environment.