Transcript IAS Management Options

Module 6
Early Detection and Rapid Response
Learning outcomes
• By the end of this module you should be able
to:
– Understand the role of early detection and rapid
response (ED/RR)
– Understand the principles of ED/RR
– Know the components of ED/RR and associated
issues
Module structure
• Setting the scene
• Early detection and reporting
• Assessment
• Response / action
• Other issues
Management of IAS
PREVENTION
First line of
defence
Early detection & Rapid
Response (ED/RR)
Second line of
defence
ERADICATION
CONTROL
What is ED/RR?
• Early Detection and Rapid Response
(ED/RR) = preventing establishment and/or
spread of invasive alien species
• No prevention system in the world can ever
be 100% effective, all the time
• A second line of defence
Impacts
If an IAS is introduced, the chances of
eradicating it are best soon after arrival….
Time
• A rapid response can minimise
environmental and social impacts
• It can also save money (e.g. the
cost of management)
e.g The rapid response team for
Mimosa in Kakadu, Australia:
$2/hectare/year
Late response in other area, using
biocides: initially
$220/hectare/year,
plus ongoing maintenance
Main components of ED/RR
DETECTION &
REPORTING
ASSESSMENT
RESPONSE
ED/RR can be applied at:
Country borders
State or Province borders
Protected Areas
Offshore islands
‘Mainland islands’
Political
boundary
Ecological or
practical
boundary
Early detection and reporting
1. SURVEYS
Types of Surveys
What to look for
Networks
2. IDENTIFICATION
3. REPORTING
Surveys – why?
• To become familiar with your environment
• To notice change
• To protect biodiversity and livelihoods through rapid
response
But also:
• To facilitate exports by being able to certify the
absence of certain invasive alien species
• To fulfil international obligations (e.g. prompt
reporting of animal or plant disease)
• To develop Import Health Standards etc. under IPPC
or OIE
Surveys
• General surveys
• Site specific surveys
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Port facilities
End of tunnel???????
Airport
Protected area
• Species specific surveys
– Brown tree snake
– Rats
– RIFA
What species to look for?
• species from "black list", "unwanted organisms" list
etc.
• potential invasive alien species that have been
introduced in the past, but were successfully
eradicated
• potential invasive alien species that arrived
previously but did not establish
• alien species that are known to have an impact on
biodiversity, livelihood, economy or health elsewhere
in the world, and for which a pathway into your
country may exist
However, also look for the
UNKNOWN !!
Detection networks
• Active surveillance: people are tasked
to look in specific places for specific
things
• Passive: people can spot potential
invasions whilst they are doing
something else
Looking after networks
• Identification of interested people
• Encouragement
• Training
Collection & identification
• Develop collection guidelines
– For professionals
– For public
Ensure IAS are not inadvertently
spread while collecting
Need access to identification expertise
Reporting
• Professionals: mandates should be clear and
known
• Ensure that public knows where to report
suspected sightings
• Make sure such reports are followed up
• Give feedback to detection networks
• Address introduction pathway
A new IAS has been detected – what
do you do next?
• Find out more about the situation on the
ground
• Take steps to contain the incursion (as
appropriate)
• Implement Contingency plan (if there is one)
• Assess the risk
• Assess the costs and benefits of different
options
• Decide on actions to take
Assessment of risks
• Assess: Probability of
establishment, probability of spread
• Impacts on environment, primary
sector, human livelihoods and
health etc….
Assessment of risks
• Aim is to assess the species as 'low risk" or
"high risk"
Be careful with conclusions of "low
risk" - apply precaution
• When assessing potential impacts on
biodiversity, invasiveness elsewhere is an
important factor
DECISION : to act or not to act?
• Remember: eradication is most feasible and
least costly (to environment and finacial) if it
can be achieved soon after introduction.
• A rapid response will cost money…. but not
as much as responding too late
Response
•
•
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Lead agency
Response team (and training)
"Operational control centre"
Integrating different agencies
Support: Technical advisory
group, community outreach,
"officials" committee, …
Contingency plan
• Where there is high risk , consider preparing
a contingency plan
• Assessment before actual arrival of species
• This allows action immediately upon
detection
• Requires clarity of mandates & funds
As part of response:
• Provide feedback to strengthen
prevention!
• Give feedback to detection
networks
• Address introduction pathway
Associated issues
• Legal and Institutional issues
• Funding!
• Public awareness: more support & more eyes
kept open
• Information sharing
Summary
• Prevention is the first line of defence against
biological invasion
• Early Detection and Rapid Response
(ED/RR) is the second line of defence
• The best opportunity to eradicate is soon
after the arrival of a new IAS
• ED/RR minimises ecological & economic
impacts