Freshwater Biodiversity Toolbox
Barriers To Restrict Invasive Species – Screens or Selective Passage Grates
Invasive species adversely impact their introduced environments by causing environmental, ecological, and economic damages. Due to the reproductive biology and competitive strength of many invasive species, they can be extremely difficult or impossible to eradicate once established. Many practitioners must therefore implement conservation strategies that limit their spread if their establishment cannot be prevented. Specially designed grates or screens in channels or on dams can physically prevent the passage and movement of invasive species. These barriers capitalize on the physical and biological limitations of the targeted invasive species, such as their inability to jump or climb over these screens or fit through the slots due to their physical size.
Rating:
Three syntheses for this intervention scored low in CEESAT, demonstrating limitations in the rigour and the transparency in which these syntheses were conducted (i.e., no a-priori protocol, critical appraisal, or search strategy provided). Zielinski et al. (2019) scored Green in one category as this synthesis utilized a diverse array of sources (e.g., grey literature, peer-reviewed scientific literature). Smith et al. (2014) provided sufficient details regarding their eligibility criteria and extraction process in their methodology.
Most syntheses were scored highly according to RASCAT, demonstrating moderate to high applicability and relevancy to a Canadian freshwater context. Syntheses in this intervention failed to provide appropriate considerations of implications, practical advice, or recommendations apart from Smith et al. (2014) and Russell et al. (2012) reviewed species not endemic to Canada.
Photo credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie
