The first prerequisite is national legislation which prohibits the importation of marine organisms except under licence. This will be essential in order to impose complete national control of introductions. Such legislation needs to be supported by adequate control of movement within each country.
The following procedures would greatly reduce the risks of adverse affects arising from licensed introductions.
For new species intended to become permanent members of an ecosystem
An examination in their natural environment of all “candidates” for admission to assess their relationship with other members of the ecosystem including the role played by parasites and diseases.
A careful assessment of the probable effects of introduction into the new area, including an examination of the effects of any previous introduction of this or similar species in other areas.
Multiplication of the introduced species in quarantine conditions in a hatchery in the receiving country followed by transplantation of juveniles to the natural environment if no diseases or parasites become evident. The period of rearing in quarantine will provide a further opportunity for observation of the introduced adults. Where practicable, rearing from introduced eggs and juveniles should present a smaller risk.
In cases where artificial propagation techniques have not yet been developed for the species, the introduction of eggs or early larvae may be utilized with appropriate precautions taken to minimize the risk of introducing associated undesirable organisms.
Sterilization in an approved manner of all effluent from the hatchery.
A continuing study of the species in its new environment.
For species to be introduced in large quantities without permanent occupation of the ecosystem
As for 1(a) above.
As for 1(b) above.
Detailed examination and control of consignments of species to be imported, before shipment, within the country of origin.
Inspection and control of each consignment on arrival.
Quarantining or disinfection where appropriate.
Maintenance of inspection of material after transplantation.
It is appreciated that different countries will have different attitudes to the selection of the place of inspection and control of the consignment, either in the country of origin or the country of receipt. Of the three possibilities:
personal inspection in the country of origin, without inspection on arrival
reliance on inspection by nationals of the country of origin
inspection in the country of receipt, possibly involving refusal of entry at this late stage
the working Group finds (i) to be generally the most acceptable but where a well developed system of certification exists this may prove to be sufficiently reliable. Complete reliance cannot be placed on (iii) which for large consignment would be impracticable, costly and unreliable, but inspection on arrival should not be completely discounted.
