Assessing ongoing risks and managing detections of non-native invertebrates in the Antarctic Region

Abstract

The continent of Antarctica has remained relatively free of the impacts of invasive species to date. However, Antarctica is under increasing anthropogenic pressure from human activity and climate change, elevating the risk of alien species introductions. Scientific research and the maintenance of research stations by Antarctic Treaty Parties requires the transfer of large amounts of equipment and cargo, which can harbour biosecurity risk material. Here, we assess two decades of data collected by the Australian Antarctic Division on the detection of biosecurity risk material in its facilities and vessels, both during transport and in Antarctica. We use these data to identify emerging risk species or pathways, to compare the variability in detections over time and to construct a consequence table to facilitate effective responses and resource allocation to future detections, translating our research findings into guidance for decision-makers. We find that, despite the development of policy instruments, monitoring and management for the prevention of alien species introductions to Antarctica, the risk of introductions is ongoing. We highlight areas of concern, including the transport of live spiders and the continuing potential for cargo to harbour biosecurity risk material and the benefit of ongoing training and investment and support for staff and expeditioners in the reporting of non-native species detections. Finally, we provide tools and recommendations for decision-makers and on-ground managers in the Antarctic biosecurity space, based on our research. Future studies on the establishment risk of commonly transported species would assist in improving these tools.