By Canadian Press

Federal invasive species fund opens to new projects

May 26, 2023 | 3:24 PM

VANCOUVER — The federal government is set to begin accepting proposals to spend the remaining money in a multimillion-dollar fund aimed at fighting invasive species across Canada.

Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray says the $8.75-million Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund is aimed at raising public awareness and working to stop the threat of non-native freshwater and marine species.

Last fiscal year, $3.3 million from the fund went to eight multi-year projects including work by the Pacific Salmon Foundation to fight the invasive European green crab in B.C.’s Salish Sea. 

The foundation’s CEO, Mike Meneer, says the $750,000 it is getting over three years is going towards work to eradicate the crabs, which compete with native species and invade habitats.

A call for proposals to spend the remaining money between now and 2026-27 opens Monday and runs until Aug. 31.

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Murray says the fund is part of $36.6 million the government has earmarked to fight invasive species over five years. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2023.

The Canadian Press