The Control of Biological Invasions in the World's Oceans

Abstract

The introduction of alien, or nonindigenous, animals and plants has been identified by scientists and policy makers as a major threat to biodiversity in marine ecosystems. Although government agencies have struggled to control alien species on land and freshwater for decades with mixed success, the control of alien marine species is in its infancy. Prevention of introduction and establishment must be the first priority, but many populations of alien marine species are already well established worldwide. National and international policies leave loopholes for additional invasions to occur and provide only general guidance on how to control alien species once they are established. To address this issue, a multinational group of 25 scientists and attorneys convened in 1998 to examine options for controlling established populations of alien marine species. The discussions resulted in a framework for control of alien marine species to provide decision-making guidance to policymakers, managers, scientists, and other stakeholders. The framework consists of seven basic steps: (1) establish the nature and magnitude of the problem, (2) set objectives, (3) consider the full range of alternatives, (4) determine risk, (5) reduce risk, (6) assess benefits versus risks, and (7) monitor the situation. This framework can provide guidance for control efforts under the existing patchwork of national laws and can help provide a foundation for international cooperation. El Control de Invasiones Biológicas en los Océanos del MundoResumen: La introducción de animales y plantas invasoras, o no indígenas ha sido identificado por los científicos y legisladores como una de las mayores amenazas a la biodiversidad de los ecosistemas marinos. A pesar de las agencias gubernamentales han luchado por décadas por controlar a las especies invasoras en tierra y en agua dulce con resultados mezclados, el control de las especies invasoras marinas se encuentra aún en su infancia. La prevención de la introducción y el establecimiento debe ser prioritaria; sin embargo, muchas poblaciones de especies invasoras marinas ya se han establecido muy bien a nivel mundial. Las políticas nacionales e internacionales dejan espacios para que ocurran invasiones adicionales y proveen una guía solo a nivel general sobre como controlar especies invasoras una vez que ya se hayan establecido. Para enfrentar este tema, un grupo multinacional de 25 científicos y abogados se reunieron en 1998 para examinar opciones para controlar poblaciones de especies marinas invasoras establecidas. Las discusiones dieron como resultado un marco de trabajo para el control de especies marinas invasoras que provee guías para la toma de decisiones para los legisladores, manejadores, científicos y otros interesados. Este marco de trabajo con- Bax et al. Controlling Alien Marine Species 1235 siste en siete pasos básicos: (1) el establecimiento de la naturaleza y la magnitud del problema, (2) la delimitación de los objetivos, (3) consideración de todas las alternativas posibles, (4) determ...

Introduced and cryptogenic species and their management in Paranaguá Bay, Brazil

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