Biography

Presentation

What are Invasive Alien Species
The term "invasive alien species" comes from the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) where they described as "species, subspecies or lower taxon, introduced outside its natural past or present distribution; includes any part, gametes, seeds, eggs, or propagules of such species that might survive and subsequently reproduce; whose introduction and/or spread threaten biological diversity". A brief review of the range, both geographical and biological, of I AS will be undertaken.

The world's agriculture and horticulture industries rely on species moved out of their natural range. Production of wheat, rubber, tomatoes and potatoes and the world's gardeners rely on species that are cultivated far from their natural range. To that extent the ornamental fish industry is similar.

All sectors including government, conservation, hobby and trade groups have been involved in the release of IAS.

The CBD is currently reviewing and collating information and best practise about the "risks associated with the introduction of alien species as pets, aquarium and terrarium species, and as live bait and live food".

Only in the last 20 years have scientists clearly and increasingly publicly identified the risks associated with IAS and raised concerns about the costs human, ecological and economic that they

may cause. In turn conservation groups and politicians are now aware and concerned about the issues. Some groups are using their recently found enthusiasm for this issue by pointing the finger of blame at industries and ours is certainly, rightly or wrongly, in the firing line.
Very few countries of the world neither export nor import ornamental aquatic organisms. As an industry we are responsible for moving a wide variety of fish, invertebrates or plants all over the globe. Despite decades, and in some cases centuries, of trade very few of the species have caused problems. That said any time there is good quality evidence that our activities adversely affect the wider community we would be unwise to ignore the matter.

Does this interest in the IAS issue a threat or opportunity for the industry? Political, scientific and conservation groups concern about IAS might be viewed as a threat to the future of the industry by identifying our sector as part of the "problem". However there are many examples of proactive action on the IAS issue within the industry including engagement in developing solutions and delivering information to businesses and to the 10's if not 100's of millions of household globally who keep ornamental aquatic organisms in ponds and aquaria. By undertaking these activities we have, and can continue, to demonstrate for the industries responsible, proactive and co-operative attitude to responding to a relatively newly identified problem. Our industry can and should be regarded as key part of the "solution".