Recreational Boating AIS Prevention Programs

Inspection/Decontamination: Québec

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Legend

Program component has been implemented in this jurisdiction

Program component has not yet been implemented in this jurisdiction

Program Component

Status

Details

Implementation of inspections

Inspections in Quebec are not mandatory

Implementation of self-inspection at launch points

Decontamination stations are available, at different prices, where self-inspection could be conducted. Some municipalities have implemented mandatory self-inspection and decontamination.

Availability of decontamination infrastructure

Decontamination stations are available through the province’s partnership with local municipalities

LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS A watercraft inspection and decontamination program (or elements thereof) is authorized

The protection officer can request to stop a conveyance before applying one of these measures [Source 3]: A fishery officer or fishery guardian may take a measure set out in section 25 or give a direction set out in section 26 only (a) to determine whether the species is an aquatic invasive species; (b) to prevent the introduction or spread of, or to control or eradicate […]; (c) to treat or destroy any member of a species described in paragraph (b). Further, “directions to stop introduction (2) In the event that the unauthorized introduction of an aquatic species into a particular region or body of water frequented by fish where it is not indigenous is imminent or in the process of occurring, a fishery officer may give a direction to a person (a) prohibiting that person from engaging in any activity that may lead to that introduction; or (b) directing that person to cease engaging in any activity that may lead to that introduction.”

PROHIBIT POSSESSION AND TRANSPORT The possession, movement, or transport of aquatic invasive species is prohibited

“This Regulation applies to the production, stocking, keeping in captivity, breeding and transport of freshwater fish, anadromous and catadromous fish, hobby fish that are of a native or naturalized species and fish listed in Schedule IV, and to the treatment of contagious and parasitic diseases in freshwater fish. This Regulation also applies to the purchase, sale and importation of any species of fish, whether live or dead, including hobby fish that are of a native or naturalized species and the fish listed in Schedule IV.” Species listed in Schedule IV are AIS, for which possession, importation, shipment, or transport are prohibited.

AUTHORITY TO INSPECT CONVEYANCES The relevant state/provincial agency has authority to stop, detain, and/or inspect boats and/or establish inspection stations

The protection officer can request to stop a conveyance before applying one of these measures [Source 3]: A fishery officer or fishery guardian may take a measure set out in section 25 or give a direction set out in section 26 only (a) to determine whether the species is an aquatic invasive species; (b) to prevent the introduction or spread of, or to control or eradicate […]; (c) to treat or destroy any member of a species described in paragraph (b). Further, “directions to stop introduction (2) In the event that the unauthorized introduction of an aquatic species into a particular region or body of water frequented by fish where it is not indigenous is imminent or in the process of occurring, a fishery officer may give a direction to a person (a) prohibiting that person from engaging in any activity that may lead to that introduction; or (b) directing that person to cease engaging in any activity that may lead to that introduction.”

DECONTAMINATION Designated personnel of the relevant state/provincial agency have authority to decontaminate a boat based on the presence or suspected presence of AIS, as determined during an inspection

A protection officer may [Source 3]: “(a) treat or destroy a member of an aquatic invasive species or a carrier or treat a conveyance or structure”

RESPONSIBILITIES There is a legal mandate for boaters to decontaminate their boats, regardless of whether or not inspection stations or decontaminations services are available

Quebec MFFP does not have this authority

CERTIFICATION The relevant state/provincial agency has legal authority to establish an inspection/decontamination certification program for the purpose of reciprocity with other jurisdictions for inspection/decontamination responsibilities

External certification is not authorized

DRYING TIME Mandatory drying periods can be imposed via administrative orders or impoundment of a boat

Quebec MFFP does not have this authority

PROHIBIT PLACEMENT Launching a boat into waters of the state without first complying with all relevant AIS prevention regulations is prohibited

Quebec MFFP does not have this authority