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

Early detection & Rapid Response (ED/RR)

ERADICATION

CONTROL

First line of defence

Second line of defence

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

Time

Imp

acts

If an IAS is introduced, the chances of eradicating it are best soon after arrival….

• 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/yearLate 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

– 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• 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