National Park Services spend a lot of money for a long time on prevention, eradication and hunting campaigns. Local institutions are often responsible for inspecting boats, luggage and airplanes in order to avoid potential infestations, but such a task requires a coordinated multi-stakeholder effort. Tour operators and marine recreation providers have an important role to play in controlling the introduction of non-native species to the islands.
Why Should I Care?
Increase in Threats to Wildlife and Ecosystem Health: Non-native species can quickly spread throughout an area, threatening native species through crowding, predation and disease.
Fewer Living Species and Less Overall Diversity: If the overall diversity of species in an area is diminished by competition with non-native species, the destination will become less attractive to tourists seeking a unique wildlife experience.
Deterioration of the Image of the Site: Unsightly or dangerous non-native species can diminish the value of a destination as an attractive tourist site.
What Can I Do?
Control Food Imports: Food should be introduced only under strict environmental health controls and according to law.
Prevent the Unintentional Transport of Insects and Other Small Animals: Inspect equipment, vessels and supplies regularly to ensure that no wildlife is transported from one island to another.
Decrease the Number of Bulbs Kept on Deck And Minimize the Use of Lights: This can help reduce the attraction of insects to your vessel. Use bulbs that do not attract insects and shut off external lights two hours prior to night departure from any destination.
Do Not Hang Bananas and Other Fruit to Ripen on The Outer Decks: This practice attracts insects that could be spread to other islands.
Fumigate Boats Regularly to Avoid Infestations: Ensure that fumigations are performed by authorized personnel and use a control register. Use bait traps rather than chemical products to control infestations in the kitchen. Outside of the kitchen, use repellents and screen doors to control insects.
Store Cargo and Products from the Mainland in Storage Rooms that Prevent the Infiltration of Organisms: Secure ventilation systems and passageways to prevent the entrance of organisms such as insects and rodents. Transport cargo in clean and disinfected containers and properly pack and seal it to avoid the introduction of organisms. Strictly supervise the loading and dispersal of all cargo.
Educate Tourists about the Threat of Alien Species: Inform visitors about the role they can play to reduce the threat such checking their shoes, boots and gear which can be the most vectors for alien species.