Cultural Releases as a Pathway for Invasive Species Debrupa Pathak Biodiversity Policy Section Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 1
Overview Invasive Species in Ontario Cultural Release as a pathway for invasive species Project Overview Merit Releases in the GTA Workshop Recommendations Next Steps 2
Ontario has more invasive species compared to any other province or territory nature of our geography society economy state of our ecosystems Ontario has been and will continue to be at risk. Invasive species What is Ontario s Risk 3
Addressing the Threat of Invasive Species in Canada and Ontario Key Actions: Management Measures Manage key pathways to prevent introduction and spread Communication & Outreach Evaluation of existing communication initiatives Expand initiatives to address gaps and improve communications regarding high risk pathways Develop outreach material targeted to Ontario s diverse population Build new communication networks 4
Lake Simcoe Protection Plan How invasive species are addressed: Public education, outreach, stewardship to prevent introduction of new invasive species Evaluation and mitigation of potential high-risk pathways Monitoring and responding to invasive species in the Lake Simcoe watershed Using available regulatory tools to address high risk pathways 5
Prevention of Invasive Species Need to understand: Pathways for the introduction and spread of invasive species Human behaviours and activities that may play a role in these pathways More importantly, the motivations Industries that are potentially linked with these pathways 6
Education & Outreach in Ontario Have targeted: Anglers Recreational boaters Aquarium hobbyists Gardeners, water gardeners Retailers and consumers of live food fish markets 7
Examples of Cultural Releases Merit Releases common in East/South East Asian Countries such as China, Taiwan, Japan Persian New Year Release of Carp for Christmas Release of butterflies at weddings 8
Cultural Release Project To better understand the cultural motivations for the live release of organisms to enable the development of more effective outreach programs that communicate the problem of invasive species 9
Project Approach Literature Review Gathering cross-jurisdictional data on cultural releases as a pathway for invasive species. Interviews Conducted by French Planning Services and Dr. Shiu with NGOs, CA s, government and practitioners Workshop ENGOs and other government sections share experiences and develop recommendations for outreach 10
Defining Animal Release Animal Release a direct translation of the Chinese term fang sheng ( 放生, lit. releasing captive wildlife ) Generally practiced by the Buddhist traditions Related to the ideal of non-violence (ahimsa) However, it wasn t originated as a Buddhist practice. Rather, it was a traditional Chinese custom that was absorbed into Chinese Buddhism, and was later further adopted by other Buddhist traditions
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Benefits of Releasing Captive Animals 1) no war casualties 2) accumulation of auspiciousness 3) longevity and healthy 4) begetting sons in the family 5) making the Buddhas happy 6) animals are grateful 7) no disasters or injuries 8) be reborn in the celestial realms 9) peaceful and comfortable life 10) contributing to a better future for all living beings
Environmental Issues The Religion and Conservation Research Collaborative (RCRC) of the Religion and Conservation Biology Working Group (RCBWG), Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) concludes that practices of animal release by Buddhists, Taoists, Daoists, and other religions are detrimental to biodiversity and are causing increasing concern. Consequences of animal release that raise concern include: (1) The spread of invasive species; (2) genetic swamping; and, (3) the spread of disease coupled with human health concerns.
Ethical Issues of Contemporary Practice E.g. cycle of the commercialized form of animal release practice: 1.Orders are made by the Buddhist organizations to hunters; 2.wholesalers collect the captive birds; 3.birds are sold to the retailers; 4.retailers sell birds to Buddhist organizations; 5.birds are released in a ceremony; and, 6.hunters wait to catch the released birds.
Survey Results from Temples in GTA Survey Conducted by Dr. Henry Shiu of 23 temples Cham Shan Buddhist temple Oldest Buddhist temple in Toronto raise funds to support non-profit organizations that protect and raise animals Discovered at least 2 temples that actively practice merit releases and one temple that encourages its members to perform ceremonies on their own 16
Survey Results from Temples in GTA General observations The practice has changed from 10 years ago. Most groups denied having any program or regular practice of animal release All seem to be aware of the fact that the practice might be breaking Canadian law. 17
Live Release in the GTA Species include: pigeons, quail, ducks, earthworms, doves, peacocks Sources: fish markets, pet stores, bait shops, local agents Some reported through TIPS line; 2 charges/convictions Dali Llama release ceremony Milne Dam Cons. Park, Markham domestic geese
Live Release in the GTA Steps being taken Regulations enforced with fish market dealers & importers Outreach to pet stores Monitoring stormwater ponds 25% have invasives Risk assessments done DFO-MNR Dec, 2010 Windsor Star photo
Workshop Recommendations More research needed current data is not sufficient Percentage of temples practicing merit release Other groups or individuals that may be practicing merit release Types of animals involved with merit release, how many and how frequently the releases are occurring impact of animal release, including the risk and potential damage Where animals are being purchased for merit release Specific days or time periods when merit release occurs 20
Workshop Recommendations Potential Actions developing communications and outreach Working with practitioners Positive messaging Language specific 21
There is still more work to be done Phase II