David Waterhouse, Lord Howe Island Board for The Lord Howe Island Signal
Why are Islands special?
Islands are known as biodiversity ‘hotspots’. This is because Islands, although only making up just over 5% of the Earth’s landmass, account for 20% of global biodiversity. Many Island species are also totally unique and not found anywhere else on Earth (these are known as endemic species).
Lord Howe Island is a special place and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage property in 1982 in recognition of the global significance of the Island’s beauty and biodiversity. The Island’s isolation and its varied landscape are home to many unique and endemic species.
Although Islands only make up a small proportion of available landmass, 61% of recorded species extinctions since the 16th Century have occurred on Islands. The pressure of invasive species has already been linked to the extinction of at least 5 bird species, two plant species, and 13 recorded (although likely much higher) invertebrate species from Lord Howe Island.
What is biosecurity?
Biosecurity is all about protecting paradise from the introduction, establishment, and impacts of pests, diseases, weeds and contaminants that could further harm Lord Howe Island’s unique environment.
As many Island species have evolved without the presence of pest species, they are especially vulnerable to them should they be introduced.
We can only successfully manage biosecurity when every person plays a part. The idea that biosecurity is a shared responsibility means we all need to do our bit to protect the economy, environment and community from biosecurity threats.
Biosecurity involves three key aspects:
- Quarantine (protection)
A set of preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of harmful pests and diseases arriving and spreading on the Island. Quarantine is critical across the whole biosecurity pathway with mainland, in-transit and on-Island measures. - Surveillance (detection)
The detection of any pests and diseases that may have arrived on the Island through routine monitoring, survey and inspection, and community reporting. - Response (contingency)
Planning and capacity to respond to any incursion (e.g. the current rodent response).
Prevention is better than cure, and the same is true for biosecurity – the further back in the chain we can remove the risk of introduction, the more effective and financially efficient intervention actions are.
What does biosecurity mean on LHI?
Over recent years, local biosecurity staff and external experts have been actively working to improve the Island’s biosecurity. The current systems and processes will be continually refined and adapted to ensure that the best possible protection is in place for the Island’s unique environment and economy. Island residents are key players when it comes to protecting the Island from unwanted pests and diseases. Residents can play their part by ensuring their suppliers understand their biosecurity responsibilities when packaging goods to send to the Island, and ensuring they have the correct permits and approvals.
If you see or suspect anything, remember to call the biosecurity team as soon as possible on 6563 2066.
What can visitors do?
Before leaving home
Checking and cleaning your equipment before you fly helps prevent pests and diseases being transported to Lord Howe Island and is the most effective way you can help protect paradise.
Visually inspect everything you intend to bring to Lord Howe Island and complete your ‘equipment checklist’.
- Ensure that you have applied for and received any required import permits for any plants (including cut flowers) or animals you intend to bring.
- Check your luggage for stow away pests and store your packed bags in a way that prevents pest access before you leave home.
On Lord Howe
After arriving on Lord Howe there are a number of things that you can do to help us to protect paradise.
- Keep footwear and equipment clean
- Stay on marked walking tracks
- Rat on a rodent, report a pest
- Report suspected plant disease
- Attend a biosecurity dog demonstration
- Join a citizen science program.
This article appeared in The Lord Howe Island Signal, 30 June 2021.
