Spartina Anglica (English Cordgrass)
Spartina anglica was initially discovered on Roberts Bank in the Fraser Delta by Gary Williams during intertidal marsh surveys conducted for the Vancouver Port Authority in the summer of 2003. Upon discovery and notification to several agencies, the Vancouver Port Authority initiated a response for Spartina removal. Following the initial response, a committee consisting of government and non-government agencies was assembled to develop a plan to identify, monitor, remove and conduct outreach of Spartina on the Fraser River Delta.
In 2011, the British Columbia Spartina Working Group (BCSWG) continued to work toward the eradication of non-native, invasive Spartina species from the BC Coast. This multi-agency group recognizes the potential impacts of Spartina on local shorelines and wildlife habitat and is striving to support the Pacific Coast Collaborative goal of eradication of all non-native invasive Spartina species (Spartina anglica, S. densiflora, and S. patens) by 2018 along the coasts of BC, Washington, Oregon and California.
In 2011, program components included monitoring, removal, coordination, and outreach which were guided by science and evaluation. The monitoring program included mapping approximately 100km on the Fraser Delta and approximately 90km of shoreline on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Spartina removal efforts in 2011 employed manual hand digging, mechanical excavating and covering techniques. Based on available resources and location of existing infestations, the primary focus was on the removal of S. anglica and S. densiflora.
The outreach component of the BCSWG focuses on recruiting volunteers and increasing awareness of the impacts of Spartina. This was achieved through articles submitted to web, tours, and print media sources. The BCSWG uses sound science and evaluation to improve the effectiveness of the eradication program by implementing changes as new methods are learned. [ back to top ]
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