Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
15.6
Reducing the Likelihood of Future Invasions
Through Biosecurity Regulations
Marine algal invasions can transcend national boundaries, so the problem must be
considered an international problem (Inderjit et al. 2006). To be successful, a global
rapid response plan should be in place as well as immediate access to adequate
funding. If biological invasions are treated the same way that governments respond
to hurricanes, tornados, fires, floods, oil spills, or disease outbreaks, then rapid
response should be possible. Anderson (2005) suggested that to be prepared to deal
with an invasion, a drill must be performed to determine who will provide (1) bio-
logical experts, (2) ownership of the waterway, (3) knowledge of potentially suc-
cessful eradication strategies, and (4) funding. Although many countries are
concerned about future
C. taxifolia
invasions, currently only NZ appears ready to
respond if an invasion were reported tomorrow.
In New Zealand, marine biological security is defined as protection of the
marine environment from nonnative species. Biosecurity is a high profile topic,
mainly because of the country's dependence on shipping (Hewitt et al. 2004). The
NZ Marine Biosecurity Team was established in 1998 under the Biosecurity Act of
1993 with the dual goals of working on reducing knowledge gaps and establishing
management frameworks. Active awareness campaigns by the government have led
to a greater awareness of many nonnative species in the general population relative
to other countries. Additionally, no discharge of unexchanged ballast water is per-
mitted in NZ from any country unless exempted on the grounds of safety. Preborder
and border management is likewise paramount to promote prevention, early detec-
tion, and rapid response (Wotton and Hewitt 2004). New Zealand is already on high
alert, expecting
C. taxifolia
to arrive at any time. The decision making process in
NZ for a
C. taxifolia
sighting follows a mostly universal rapid response protocol
and would involve (1) confirming the genus species in NZ waters, (2) establishing
the nature and magnitude of the incursion, and (3) risk analysis to determine the
likelihood of an impact if the incursion was left untreated (insignificant, minor,
moderate, major, catastrophic). Containment, management, or eradication would
then be initiated if sustained, cost-effective action was possible and the organism
posed an unacceptable risk. More than likely, any
C. taxifolia
in NZ waters would
be considered an unacceptable risk. The actual level of response would then depend
on the (1) potential impacts of the invasive organism on the environment, the econ-
omy, and people, (2) technical feasibility of response options, (3) ability to target
the invasive species, (4) risks associated with treatment, (5) degree of public con-
cern, and (6) likelihood of the organism being eradicated or managed. Monitoring
and review of the response process itself completes this protocol.
In the USA, the US Department of the Interior was alerted to problems with
C. taxifolia
Mediterranean strain and the threat it posed to US coastal waters in 1998.
The scientific community requested the Secretary of the Interior to be proactive and
initiate action to prevent introduction of
C. taxifolia
into US waters.
Caulerpa taxifo-
lia
was determined to pose a significant threat, so a comprehensive prevention plan
