Xylella. The Aurora mite. Phytophthora dieback. Blackberry. Myrtle rust. Invasive to Australia, these species and plant diseases thrive in an ecosystem overruled by non-native predators. The State of the Environment Report 2021 warns of the persistent and irreversible damage to Australia’s biodiversity, inland waters and coasts that invasive species have rampaged. Further native extinctions are forecasted for the coming two decades, over 200 threatening species are currently bombarding our megadiverse ecosystem, and established non-native species are likely to increase by 36% between 2005 and 2050. The recent report also notes invasive species have affected the largest numbers of native species at risk of extinction, compared to other threatening processes like climate change and habitat loss. Now, biosecurity is Australia’s first line of defence against species and disease introductions. Shalan Schofield, Environment Biosecurity Office, says there is only one answer: prevention, eradication, containment, and asset based protection. Relying on the passive surveillance by the general public and land management volunteers alongside the active, targeted surveillance and preventive measures taken offshore, at the border, and within Australia, our biosecurity system aims to prevent further losses at the hands of invasive species. A loss currently sitting at approximately $389.59 billion (2017 value).
“What you might not know however, is that there are many more of these on our doorstep that have not yet arrived.”
Invasive species are one of the most prevalent threats to Australia’s ecosystems and biodiversity, and the number of invasive species has only continued to climb since federation. The National Priority List of Exotic Environmental Pests, Weeds and Diseases (EEPL), by the Environment Biosecurity Office, was released to inform future biosecurity risk management and planning. By identifying 168 exotic pests, weeds and diseases not yet established in Australia, it is one of the many preventative tactics being used to strengthen environmental biosecurity and develop a national approach to address biosecurity risks to Australia’s environment. The ultimate purpose of management is to reduce the total impact of invasive non-native species in different systems compared with a no-intervention scenario, but more action is needed in risk mitigation measures, surveillance, and diagnostics.
Biosecurity is critical to supporting the health of Australians, our environment and the competitiveness of key industries through biosecure trade networks. Considered the worlds most biosecure trade partner, by way of our enhanced data sharing networks, national coordination of biosecurity activities, and investments in new technology applications; resultantly, Australia’s biosecurity system more efficiently identifies and manages emerging risks. But in the face of overwhelming invasive species, is it enough for Australia’s future biosecurity?
To help the future of Australia’s biosecurity, be on the lookout for species that just don’t look right! You can participate in general surveillance through a range of mobile apps, like iNaturalist or the Atlas of Living Australia.
But what are
your thoughts, please let me know!
To watch the 2022 National Landcare Conference presentation, "Environmental Biosecurity: Working Together Against Weeds and Disease", by Shalan Schofield the Principal Director of the Environmental Biosecurity Office DAFF, CLICK HERE.Bibliography:https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/biodiversity/environment/flora-and-fauna
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/environmental/priority-list#but-species-x-is-already-in-australia--why-is-it-on-the-list
https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/overview/pressures/invasive-species-and-range-shifts
https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/land/pressures/introduced-and-invasive-species
https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/land/management/management-specific-pressures#indigenous-involvement-in-biosecurity
#InvasiveWeedsPests