January 13, 2007

 

AQUARIUM'S RIVER WORKS PROGRAM REMOVES INVASIVE SPECIES IN NEW WEST

Vancouver, BC: The Vancouver Aquarium’s River Works program conducted an invasive species removal today in Carter Foreshore Park in New Westminster.

Staff and volunteers primarily removed Himalayan blackberry, an exotic plant that is a threat to native plant species. Though its fruit is useful to many animals, the Himalayan blackberry can quickly overtake sites and crowd out native species.

Invasive species can adversely affect the ecosystem in which they are introduced by out-competing native species for space, light, habitat or food.  This often results in a decline in native populations, and may even lead to the complete loss of native species in the area. 

The Aquarium’s River Works program restores sites along the Fraser River Estuary by removing industrial wood debris and harmful non-native plants. Volunteers enhance River Works sites by planting native vegetation, installing bird boxes and constructing shearbooms, which help to prevent the accumulation of wood debris along the shoreline.