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Recreational Boating AIS Prevention Programs

Agency Capacity: Ontario

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Legend

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Program component has been implemented in this jurisdiction

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Program component has not yet been implemented in this jurisdiction

Program Component

Status

Details

Dedicated/pathway-specific funding

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OMNRF has dedicated funding to support outreach initiatives associated with recreational boating

Pathway-specific dedicated time for program staff

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OMNRF staff are dedicated to policy development associated with the pathway. There are no rules requiring inspection/decontamination for recreational boating specifically in the province – so therefore no staff are dedicated to this specific action

Pathway-specific dedicated time for outreach staff

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OMNRF staff are dedicated to conducting outreach initiatives on this pathway

Pathway-specific dedicated time for law enforcement officers

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Time not dedicated directly to rules associated with recreational boating and movement of AIS

Specific AIS training for law enforcement officers

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Officers are trained to enforce Ontario’s AIS laws and regulations. Where there are rules that affect boating (e.g. transport of prohibited aquatic plants on boats) – this training is also conducted

FUNDING A dedicated fund to support implementation and/or maintenance of a watercraft inspection/decontamination program is established through legal provisions

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A fund is not in place at this time

CLOSURE OF WATERS State-/province-managed boating access points can be closed and boating activities restricted if necessary to respond to an aquatic invasive species threat in that body of water

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The Invasive Species Act does allow for this, but this power has not been exercised to date

PENALTIES Penalties for violations of all relevant AIS prevention regulations are established

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Penalties are in place