Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
improvements in the capacity to rapidly move greater volumes, and an increased
variety, of material. Organisms associated with trade goods no longer need to sur-
vive for as long a period as they previously needed to in order to arrive in a viable
condition at a destination. Hence, there is a signifi cant increase in the potential for
trade to be a source of invasive species. As the primary objective of trade is profi t or
economic benefi t, this often involves moving goods as fast as possible from source
to outlet. This need is frequently in confl ict with quarantine measures designed to
lower the likelihood of entry of invasive species, because the measures may be seen
to impede the speed of movement of goods. This can result in a tendency to avoid
these measures. Therefore, there is a need to develop pragmatic quarantine meas-
ures, in conjunction with stakeholders, which are commensurate with the threats
posed by the trade. If possible, these measures should be undertaken as close to the
entry point into a country and as effi ciently as possible.
If the quarantine measures are integrated into normal practices, there is a greater
probability of a high level of compliance than if the measures cause change to nor-
mal practices. However, there are circumstances where changes to normal prac-
tices are unavoidable to achieve the required level of protection. It is important to
remember that not only the goods themselves are potential pathways for invasive
alien species, but also the conveyances by/on which they are transported, e.g. wood
borers in packing crates.
1.4.2.2 Traditional movement of people and goods
Traditional movement of people and goods are pathways that have existed for
a considerable time, particularly between countries with land borders. These
pathways can allow the entry of invasive alien species, including both acciden-
tal introductions such as cattle diseases, and purposeful introductions such as
food crops with weed potential. When establishing a quarantine system these
movements should be given consideration but with an understanding that some
may be diffi cult to manage. The objective is not necessarily the complete exclu-
sion of traditional movements, which often encourages illegal trade. Rather, the
need is to look at what goods (animals, foodstuff, plant material, and convey-
ances) are involved, the areas through which they pass, the risks involved, and
the available management options. Communities should be engaged to increase
awareness of the risks and develop appropriate quarantine measures to reduce
the risks.
1.4.2.3 Emergency food, disaster relief, and development aid
Emergency food and disaster relief, and development aid, can be a source for the
introduction of invasive species, e.g. stored product pests such as larger grain borer
(
Prostephanus truncatus
), aquatic species, and weed seeds. Such aid often involves
the rapid deployment of people, vehicles, goods, and products, and in many cases
quarantine or preventative measures are intentionally or unintentionally ignored.
Often there are few, if any, controls enforced when people, vehicles, and goods
