Biosecurity Plan for Palmerston, Manihiki and Penrhyn Islands of the Cook Islands

Microsoft Word - FINAL Biosecurity Plan for Palmerston Manihiki Penrhyn and Suwarrow 13 July 2023.docx Biosecurity Plan for Palmerston, Manihiki and Penrhyn Islands of the Cook Islands June 2023 Prepared for the Cook Island Ministry of Agriculture by: Peter Corson, Quality Conserva2on. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 2 Biosecurity Plan: The development of this Biosecurity plan was made possible by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) under the Managing Invasive Species for Climate Change adapta2on in the Pacific (MISCCAP). MISCCAP has enabled the New Zealand Department of Conserva2on (NZDOC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and Manaaki Whenua to partner and support Pacific Island Countries and Territories to take stronger ac2on against invasive species, and thereby build resilience to climate change. The NZDOC support to the Cook Islands Ministry of Agriculture is delivered through the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS). Artwork: Illustra2ons in this plan have been created by Zev Landes, www.zevlandes.com, and are subject to copyright. Author and Citation: This Biosecurity Plan has been prepared by Peter Corson of Quality Conserva2on Ltd, under. This plan should be cited as: Corson P. 2023. Biosecurity Plan for Palmerston, Manihiki and Penrhyn Islands of the Cook Islands. Contract report for the Cook Islands Ministry of Agriculture. Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the informa5on in this document is correct, Quality Conserva5on Ltd, does not accept any responsibility for error or fact omission, interpreta5on or opinion which may be present, nor for the consequences of any decisions based on this informa5on. Most of the informa5on presented is based on the informa5on provided by third par5es. Quality Conserva5on Ltd accepts no liability in contract, tort or otherwise for any loss, legal prosecu5on or enforcement ac5on, damage, injury, or expense, whether direct, indirect or consequen5al, arising out of the provision of informa5on in this document. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 3 Agreement of Partnership This plan is an understanding for partnership and collaboration between people and agencies to protect Palmerston Island, Manihiki Island, Penrhyn Island and Suwarrow Island, from the invasion or re-invasion of invasive species. Ministry of Agriculture Mrs Temarama Anguna-Kamana Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture National Environmental Service Mr Halatoa Fua Director, Na2onal Environment Services 14th July 2023 14 July 2023 BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 4 Table of Contents 2 Introduc2on .................................................................................................................................... 6 3 Glossary .......................................................................................................................................... 8 PART I - CONTEXT ................................................................................................................................. 10 4 Goals, objec2ves and outcomes ................................................................................................... 10 4.1 Biosecurity goals, objec2ves and outcomes ......................................................................... 10 5 Biosecurity principles ................................................................................................................... 11 6 Risk pathways ............................................................................................................................... 13 6.1 Risk-goods ............................................................................................................................. 13 PART II - ADVOCACY .............................................................................................................................. 15 7 Informa2on and educa2on ........................................................................................................... 15 7.1 Consistent key messages ...................................................................................................... 15 7.2 Audiences, means of communica2on and who leads the communica2on. ......................... 16 PART III –PREVENTION .......................................................................................................................... 17 8 Preven2ng invasive species gefng to islands .............................................................................. 17 8.1 Pest surveillance at Ava2u Harbour and Port ....................................................................... 17 8.2 Pest management at Ava2u Harbour and Port ..................................................................... 19 8.3 Controls for moving plants, fruits and vegetables. ............................................................... 21 8.4 Controls for moving live animals. ......................................................................................... 22 8.5 Controls for risk goods .......................................................................................................... 22 8.6 Collabora2on with shipping companies ............................................................................... 24 8.7 Collabora2on with suppliers ................................................................................................. 24 8.8 Possible declara2on of Pest-free biosecurity-controlled areas ............................................. 25 9 Pest-Free Warrant ......................................................................................................................... 26 10 Preven2on on islands ............................................................................................................... 27 10.1 Biosecurity controls on Palmerston Island ........................................................................... 27 10.2 Biosecurity controls for Suwarrow Na2onal Park ................................................................. 28 10.3 Biosecurity controls on Manihiki Island ................................................................................ 29 10.4 Biosecurity controls on Penrhyn/Tongareva Island .............................................................. 30 PART IV - SURVEILLANCE ...................................................................................................................... 32 11 Observa2ons ............................................................................................................................. 32 12 Surveillance on Palmerston Island ............................................................................................ 34 12.1 Surveillance for rats and mice .............................................................................................. 34 12.2 Surveillance for other pests on Palmerston .......................................................................... 36 13 Surveillance on Manihiki, Penrhyn and Suwarrow ................................................................... 39 PART V - INCURSIONS ........................................................................................................................... 40 BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 5 14 Incursion Response prepara2on ............................................................................................... 40 14.1 How will it be managed? ...................................................................................................... 40 14.2 Training ................................................................................................................................. 41 14.3 Incursion Response equipment ............................................................................................ 41 15 Responding to an incursion ...................................................................................................... 43 15.1 Incursion response triggers .................................................................................................. 43 15.2 For all incursions ................................................................................................................... 44 15.3 Responding to a rat incursion ............................................................................................... 44 15.4 Responding to a mouse incursion ......................................................................................... 46 15.5 Responding to an ant incursion ............................................................................................ 47 16 Biosecurity for Emergencies ..................................................................................................... 50 17 Bibliography .............................................................................................................................. 51 Appendices ........................................................................................................................................... 53 Appendix 1: Invasive species lists ..................................................................................................... 53 Appendix 2: Invasive species factsheet links ................................................................................... 59 Appendix 3: Suggested protocol for moving live animals to Palmerston, Manihiki or Penrhyn. ..... 60 Appendix 4: Hypothe2cal Biosecurity Area Declara2on .................................................................. 61 Appendix 5: Biosecurity resources .................................................................................................. 64 Appendix 6: Incursion Response kit .................................................................................................. 66 BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 6 2 Introduction Islands are a part of Cook Island’s culture, iden2ty and society. Unless stopped, invasive species will affect the Cook Islands way of life. Small efforts by many will help protect who we are and what we love. Planning for the eradica2on of rats from Palmerston Island is underway with an intended opera2on in 2023. The project is a partnership between the Cook Islands’ Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Na2onal Environment Service (NES), Palmerston Island administration and community, Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) and New Zealand’s Department of Conserva2on (NZDOC). The project is intended to improve the sustainability, health and welfare of the island communi2es by improving food produc2on and reducing the impacts of rats on health, infrastructure and ecosystems. It is cri2cal to ensure that rats can’t get back to islands. Biosecurity ac2ons are now needed to stop rats re-invading. This has led to also consider a broad range of pests across the Northern Group islands as well as Palmerston. MoA is mandated via the Biosecurity Act 2008 to prevent the spread of pests into or within the Cook Islands. MoA will therefore be the Biosecurity lead for Palmerston and the Northern Group islands working in collabora2on with warranted Biosecurity officers on each island. The islands are home to people and the plan reflects that people are both a blessing and a curse by poten2ally moving invasive species, but also being passionate protectors of the islands. The inten2on of this plan is to support people involved in biosecurity by describing what ac2ons are required, by whom, to reduce the chance of accidentally or naively moving invasive species. Ac2ons are shown for each group or agency, in each sec2on and amalgamated in an associated spreadsheet. To support the biosecurity staff on Rarotonga and on the islands, an explana2on is given in the text and detailed informa2on is also provided, par2cularly in the appendices. Basic island biosecurity principles apply. A precau2onary approach is needed as there are many things that we don’t know. Good biosecurity also protects the islands from threats that we don’t know about yet. Stopping invasive species before they get on island is easier than gefng them off islands. Working with people is essen2al. Staff and leaders need to be seen doing the right things. Surveillance needs to be regular and prompt enough to enable management of any invasive species before a popula2on establishes. Any incursion response must be swip and decisive. Lastly, and importantly, to ensure the staff and residents know that they are not alone. Biosecurity can open feel thankless. The work is important and many people across the globe are willing to help. A biosecurity plan for Suwarrow already exists (Boudjelas et al 2014). The ac2ons in this plan should strengthen and support the ac2ons noted in the Suwarrow Na2onal Park Biosecurity Ac2on Plan (Boudjelas et al, 2014). A Cook Islands invasive species strategy also exists (Annon 2019). Both the Suwarrow Plan and the Invasive Species Strategy have well set out ra2onale and proposed ac2ons. This plan looks to build on those ac2ons and enhance them where needed. Rarotonga is the key hub servicing Palmerston and the Northern Group islands, with shipping and aircrap. Within the Northern Group islands, only Pukapuka, Manihiki and Penrhyn have airfields. Rarotonga has far more species than on Palmerston or the Northern Group islands. Flora and fauna on the Pa Enua is more simplis2c. There are invasive species but far less than Rarotonga. However, every island has invasive species that are not wanted on the other islands. For example, the coconut termite exists on Pukapuka, Nassau and Suwarrow but not elsewhere. Much of the informa2on is based on the Cook Islands Biodiversity database. This database is recognised as imperfect and needs other agencies to support this work to beqer inform the protec2on of islands. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 7 Invasive species can have serious detrimental impacts on domes2c life, human health, agriculture and ecosystems. Some Cook Islands na2ve species may prove to be invasive and problema2c on other Pa Enua. Ideally, no new species should be introduced to any of the islands. Invasive species lists are shown in Appendix 1. There are many agencies, groups, companies and individuals with an interest and desire to protect the islands. The mo2va2ons differ. Most realise a benefit in protec2ng the islands from invasive species. Harnessing the interest and desire will help support MoA and NES protect the islands. Consistent simple messaging is needed for biosecurity. Many groups will be involved including agencies but also suppliers and transport operators. Stopping pests gefng to islands is the most efficient use of biosecurity effort and funding. In 2me this should become normal behaviour. It is mission cri2cal to work collabora2vely, as partners, with the Ava2u Ports Authority, Cook Islands General Transport (CIGT), Taio Shipping, and others situated at or near the Ports, including the airlines flying to the Northern Group islands. A key focus will be on the highest risk pathways and goods. CIGT and Taio shipping, as the vessel/barge operators are the key risk pathway. Items that have a high risk of transpor2ng invasive species to the islands, risk-goods, include plants, fruit, vegetables, live animals, animal feed, unprocessed coconut material, soil, pofng mix, mulch, building supplies, landscaping supplies and heavy machinery. There are already controls for plants, fruit and vegetables, and animals. These should be adequate and adhered to. Further controls should be considered for other risk-goods. Wherever possible the movement of risk-goods should be avoided. The movement of live animals could have serious consequences including for human health, en2re herds, produc2vity and environmental issues such as weeds. Considera2on is given to possibly declaring Palmerston Island, Suwarrow and the Ava2u Ports area as Biosecurity pest-free areas, using the 2008 Biosecurity Act powers. People are the most important surveillance tool. There are nearly 250 invasive species noted between Rarotonga, Palmerston and the Northern Group islands. No device can detect so many invasive species as people. Surveillance for rats, mice and ants is needed for Palmerston Island. A simple network should be set up on the island relying on chew cards as well as observa2on ini2ally. Like many newly established biosecurity networks, people will learn as things are tried, with non-target species and condi2ons peculiar to each island. Changes may be needed as more is learnt. The frequency of checks should be linked to the visita2on of boats with cargo. Ant and weed surveillance is also suggested for Palmerston. This monitoring could be duplicated on the Northern Pa Enua. Prepara2on is needed to make sure supplies are on the island when they are needed in case of an incursion. The people likely to be involved also need to understand what will happen, and with clarity about roles and decision making. Biosecurity ac2ons for inhabited islands are not fixed through 2me. Threats change, people change, and behaviours change with 2me. This plan should be reviewed regularly, in two years ini2ally, and poten2ally on a two-year cycle. Biosecurity for interna2onal travellers and freight arriving in Rarotonga is outside the scope of this plan. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 8 3 Glossary Advocacy and educa2on: The ac2ons that lead to improve people’s understanding and behaviours about biosecurity. This can be for the wider public but can also target agency staff or key partners. Biosecurity: Biosecurity is defined in the Cook Islands Biosecurity Act 2008 as the control by legal and administra2ve means of pests and diseases affec2ng animals, plants and their products, to avoid adverse effects from such pests and diseases on the economy and health of the Cook Islands. Biosecurity controlled area: A biosecurity controlled area, defined in the Cook Islands Biosecurity Act 2008, means an infested biosecurity controlled area declared under sec2on 62 or a pest-free biosecurity controlled area declared under sec2on 64. Incursion response: The term incursion response refers to the ac2ons required, to prepare for, and then to respond to, a suspected or actual invasive species arrival on an island, to stop it from establishing a popula2on. Intercept/intercep2on: An intercept or intercep2on is detec2on and management of an invasive species during the pest preven2on phase and transport, that prevents an invasive species from arriving and or establishing a popula2on on an island. Invasive species: An introduced species that become destruc2ve to the environment or human interests. This can also include some na2ve species that proliferate and become destruc2ve following environmental changes caused by human ac2vi2es. This can include species that are na2ve to the Cook Islands, that are not na2ve on a different island. Invasion: An invasion is when an invasive species escapes into the wild on an island. Island/s: In this document island or islands generally refer to the island atoll with many motu but may also refer to a smaller motu within the atoll. Pathway: Pathways are ways invaders can move between places. A pathway can refer to broad or fine- scale pathways, such as soil on plants, shipping routes, or vessels. All routes and ways that an invasive species can get between islands are pathways. Pest/s: Means any species, strain or biotype of a plant, animal, microbe or pathogenic agent, or any organism, which - (a) causes disease; or (b) is detrimental to or capable of harming or adversely affec2ng animals or animal products, plants or plant products, human beings or the environment. Pest-free biosecurity controlled area: BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 9 An area where a specified pest or disease does not occur, so far as is known, and where incursions of that pest or disease should be prevented. Preven2on: Preven2on is a term to cover all the ac2ons intended to stop invasive species gefng to or establishing a popula2on on an island. These ac2ons are mainly focused prior to departure of vessels or planes, during transit, or at the point of arrival on an island. Plant pest/s: Also referred to as weeds or invasive plants these are any plant that is unwanted at a site and can nega2vely affect values. Risk-goods: Risk-goods are any substance or thing that has a higher chance of containing or harbouring an invasive species or unwanted organism that may cause harm. Some risk-goods may be declared but lists of risk-goods do not exclude other things from being considered as a risk- goods. Risk pathway: A risk pathway is a pathway where an invasive species (pest) is likely to move between two places. Risk pathways are normally considered as having a higher risk of transpor2ng invasive species. Cargo vessels are an example of a risk pathway. Sealed container: Any container, appliance or package that excludes invasive species from entering and accessing, or stowing away in, the contents or packaging material of goods being transported. Surveillance: Surveillance is defined as monitoring to detect the arrival of new incursions of invasive species. Weed/s: See the defini2on for plant pests. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 10 PART I - CONTEXT 4 Goals, objectives and outcomes 4.1 Biosecurity goals, objectives and outcomes The goals and outcomes are presented as a current view of MoA. The objec2ves stated are broad as they cover many islands and over a long 2meframe. Other groups and agencies may have different or addi2onal goals and objec2ves. Invasive species can have significant harmful effects. The key objec2ve for this plan is that Island communi2es are protected from the harmful effects of new invasive species. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 11 Table 1: Goals, Objec2ves and Outcomes 5 Biosecurity principles Use a precau<onary approach. A precau2onary approach emphasises cau2on. Agencies have a social and environmental responsibility to protect places and communi2es from harm. This is done by making sure items or species introduced to an island don’t have irreversible future consequences. Protec<on from threats we don’t know about yet. Good biosecurity prac2ce protects the islands from threats we don’t know about yet. Some threats haven’t been iden2fied yet. Others haven’t yet become invasive. By managing the risk pathways, and stopping new species arriving, we are providing protec2on from future threats. Manage the greatest risks first. Minimise the greatest risks first. It is nearly impossible to eliminate all risks. Especially with inhabited islands. Resources, both human and monetary will always be limited. It is more effec2ve that the focus is on ac2ons that reduce the greatest amount of risk. O b je c t i v e s : 1 , Im p r o v e d h e a l t h a n d w e l f a r e f o r i s l a n d c o m m u n i t i e s . 1 .1 Is l a n d p r o d u c t i v i t y i s s e c u r e a n d i n c r e a s e s . 1 .2 Is l a n d c o m m u n i t i e s a r e h e a l t h y . 1 .3 Is l a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r e i s p r o t e c t e d . 2 , Is l a n d c o m m u n i t i e s a r e p r o t e c t e d f r o m t h e h a r m f u l e f f e c t s o f n e w i n v a s i v e s p e c i e s . 2 .1 In v a s i v e s p e c i e s a r e s t o p p e d f r o m b e i n g t r a n s p o r t e d t o Pa lm e r s t o n , M a n i h i k i , Pe n r h y n o r Su w a r r o w . 2 .2 N o n e w i n v a s i v e p e s t e s t a b l i s h e s o n Pa lm e r s t o n , M a n i h i k i , Pe n r h y n o r Su w a r r o w . 2 .3 Th e i s l a n d e c o n o m i e s a r e p r o t e c t e d . 3 , N a t i v e b i o d i v e r s i t y i s p r o t e c t e d a n d e n h a n c e d . 3 .1 N a t i v e s p e c i e s c a n p e r s i s t . 3 .2 Bi r d a n d c r a b n u m b e r s i n c r e a s e . 3 .3 N a t i v e s p e c i e s c a n r e t u r n t o M o t u . 4 , Pa lm e r s t o n c o m m u n i t y i s p r o t e c t e d f r o m t h e im p a c t s o f r a t s . 4 .1 Sh i p r a t s a n d p a c i f i c r a t s a r e e r a d i c a t e d f r o m Pa lm e r s t o n Is l a n d . 4 .2 Ra t s a r e p r e v e n t e d f r o m r e t u r n i n g t o Pa lm e r s t o n Is l a n d . 4 .3 Su r v e i l l a n c e t o d e t e c t r a t s a n d a r e s p o n s e p l a n i s i n p l a c e f o r Pa lm e r s t o n . 5 , Re l a t i o n s h i p s e n h a n c e c o m m u n i t y p r o t e c t i o n a n d r e s i l i e n c e . 5 .1 Pa lm e r s t o n i s a c a t a l y s t f o r im p r o v e d p r o t e c t i o n f o r a l l N o r t h e r n G r o u p i s l a n d s . 5 .2 Ag e n c i e s , i n d i v i d u a l s a n d c o m p a n i e s w o r k c o l l a b o r a t i v e l y t o e r a d i c a t e r a t s f r o m Pa lm e r s t o n . 5 .3 Ag e n c i e s , i n d i v i d u a l s a n d c o m p a n i e s w o r k c o l l a b o r a t i v e l y t o p r o t e c t a l l N o r t h e r n G r o u p i s l a n d s f r o m i n v a s i v e p e s t s . O u t c o m e s : G o a l : Pr o t e c t i n g a n d En h a n c i n g c o m m u n i t y a n d e c o s y s t e m r e s i l i e n c e t o c l im a t e c h a n g e b y m a n a g i n g i n v a s i v e s p e c i e s . BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 12 Work with people Staff, people from other agencies and the public need to be informed and engaged for biosecurity to be effec2ve. Once biosecurity becomes an aftude and natural behaviour, stopping invasive species is easier. People need to know what to do, when to do it, are suppor2ve and know why they are doing the ac2ons. Stopping invasive species is easier than geEng rid of them. The most effec2ve strategy is to stop invasive species travelling to the islands. Responding to invasive species once they have arrived, or have established, will be more expensive and is less likely to successfully remove them. Be seen doing the right thing. Agency staff, and island leaders need to be seen sefng the standard for biosecurity. Others such as residents, transport operators or suppliers are unlikely to do more than what they see as the standard. Biosecurity must be acceptable to all involved As with eradica2on principles, the techniques for biosecurity must be acceptable to all involved. We can’t use tools or rules that will affect health and welfare or are perceived to. The project aims to improve the lives for island residents. Biosecurity can’t be so restric2ve that it reduces or negates these improvements. Surveillance needs to be sensi<ve and <mely. Surveillance needs to be sensi2ve, and 2mely, to detect pests before a popula2on establishes. One pregnant rat or mouse can lead to a popula2on, so we must be able to detect it through surveillance. This includes allowing enough 2me to mobilise an incursion response in a 2meframe that has a reasonable chance of elimina2ng the pest. Incursion response must be swiG and decisive To have a reasonable chance of success people on the islands must be equipped, know what to do in advance, then execute this promptly during an incursion response. It is easier to reduce the effort once a response it is fully established than to realise it is too late for any extra effort to be effec2ve. You are not alone It is easy on an island to think you are alone and isolated. Many people across the globe know the value of islands and are willing to help. Ask for help and use experts! They are only a message away. Sec<on ACTION WHO WHEN 5 Use a precau2onary approach Everyone Always 5 Manage the greatest risk first Everyone Always 5 Work with people for island biosecurity MoA, NES staff Always 5 Stop invasive species before departure Everyone Always 5 Be seen doing the right things MoA, NES staff Always 5 Ensure biosecurity ac2ons are acceptable to partners and the community MoA, NES staff Ongoing 5 Ensure surveillance is sensi2ve and 2mely MoA, Biosecurity Officers Always 5 Ensure incursion responses are swip and decisive MoA, NES staff Always 5 Ask for help and use experts Everyone Always BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 13 6 Risk pathways Risk pathways and risk goods tables for Palmerston, Manihiki, Penrhyn and Suwarrow. PATHWAY FREQUENCY POSSIBLE PESTS RISK ɸ Cargo vessels 4 2mes per year Rats, mice High Invertebrates Extreme Myna Low Plant pests Moderate - High Yachts 6-20 2mes per year Rats, mice Moderate Invertebrates High Disease Moderate Vaka Occasionally Rats, mice High Invertebrates High Disease Low Cruise ships Occasionally Rats, mice Low Invertebrates High Disease Moderate AircraG Seldom on Penrhyn. Fortnightly on Manihiki. Invertebrates High Plant pests High Rats, mice, Moderate Pathogens High Police vessel (based on planned voyages) Occasionally Invertebrates low Plant pests low Rats, mice, low Pathogens low Table 2: Risk pathways for Palmerston Island and Northern Group Islands The highest risk pathways are the CIGT and Taio Shipping cargo vessels with a high to extreme risk. The Tradi2onal Ocean Vaka also poses a high risk. Aircrap have a moderate to high risk of moving pests. Yachts and cruise ships have a moderate to high risk. The key risk pathways to manage first are the cargo vessels and barges. 6.1 Risk-goods The highest risk-goods for moving invasive species between islands are: • plants, • fruits and vegetables, • soil, pofng mix, mulch, • building and landscaping supplies, • animals, • animal feed, • heavy machinery and • unprocessed coconut material. These goods should be referred to as risk-goods. Wherever possible, avoid moving these goods! When they must be transported, they should be subject to controls. Cook Islands Biosecurity has biosecurity controls for plants, fruit and vegetables and animals intending to reduce the risk. More controls should be considered for soil, pofng mix, mulch, building and landscaping supplies, animal feed, unprocessed coconut material and heavy machinery. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 14 GOODS FREQUENCY POSSIBLE PESTS RISK ɸ Plants Regularly Invertebrates Extreme Plant pests Extreme Plant pathogens Extreme Soil (poEng mix, soil, mulch etc) Occasionally Invertebrates Extreme Plant pests Extreme Plant and soil pathogens Extreme Coconut material (Unprocessed) Occasionally. Regularly from Manihiki Coconut termite, Coconut pests, High Plant pests High Fruits and vegetables Regularly Rats, mice, High Invertebrates High Pathogens High Animal feed Occasionally Rats, mice Extreme Plant pests High Animals Occasionally Human disease Moderate Heard disease Low Parasites High Weeds Extreme Heavy machinery Occasionally Rats, mice, weeds, invertebrates Extreme Building and landscaping supplies With most barges Rats, mice, rep2les High Invertebrates Extreme Pathogens moderate Personal effects/ luggage Regularly Invertebrates moderate Plant pests moderate Rats, mice, low Pathogens low Foodstuffs Regularly Invertebrates low Plant pests low Rats, mice, High Pathogens low Table 3: Risk goods for Palmerston and Northern Group Islands Group ɸ the risk level spectrum is categorised as: no risk, low risk, moderate risk, high risk, or extreme risk. Sec<on ACTION WHO WHEN 6 Focus on cargo vessels ini2ally MoA, CIGT, Taio Shipping, Te Anuanua Immediately 6 Focus on risk-goods MoA Always 6 Develop and follow protocols for risk- goods MoA, Pa Enua, CIGT, Taio Shipping, Te Anuanua ASAP BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 15 PART II - ADVOCACY 7 Information and education 7.1 Consistent key messages Consistent, simple messaging should be used between agencies and audiences to inform people of what to do and why. Messages should be enhanced by simple, consistent graphics. These should be translated to Cook Islands Maori also. Key messages that should be used are: Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Islands and their communi2es are special, vulnerable and must be protected. Pests will reduce the welfare, economy and values of the Pa Enua. Stop pests from gefng to the Pa Enua. Weeds, insects and large pests can get to islands on boats or planes. Clean all goods going to the Pa Enua. Check goods before departure and keep them closed throughout the journey. Allow 2me for cleaning, checking and closing all goods. Avoid moving soil, plants, produce or animals to the Pa Enua as much as possible. Any movement of soil, plants, animals or produce requires inspec2ons and approvals. Examples of resources that can be adapted to suit Cook Islands’ messaging requirements include The Hauraki Gulf Pest-Free informa2on, the European and Mediterranean Plant Protec2on Organiza2on’s pest communica2on kits, Zev Landes crea2ve communicator, US Na2onal Parks and the Nature Conservancy’s Protect your Park video for the Channel Islands, the Orkney Na2ve Wildlife Project resources, and the Pacific Invasives Ini2a2ve biosecurity poster. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 7.1 Use consistent, simple messaging with graphics MoA, NES, TIS, Island Administra2on officers Always BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 16 7.2 Audiences, means of communication and who leads the communication. Messaging and educa2on about biosecurity must target a variety of audiences. The table below lists many of the audiences, including internal agency staff which are open overlooked, and how the informa2on will be provided. Audience Method of messaging Who leads? Island Communi7es Word of mouth, Facebook, Messenger, posters, email Island Administra2on Offices, MoA MoA staff Emails, mee2ngs, plans, procedures Biosecurity Director NES Staff Emails, mee2ngs, plans, procedures NES Cargo vessel operators Emails, regular contact with MoA MoA Cargo vessel clients Emails, operator’s website or Facebook Vessel operator Ports Authority Emails, regular mee2ngs and contact MoA Te Ipukarea Society Emails, regular contact with MoA MoA Ministry of Health Emails, regular contact with MoA MoA Supplier – CITC Building Centre Ini2ally mee2ng with MoA Educa2onal info from NES MoA/NES Supplier – CITC Supermarket Ini2ally mee2ng with MoA Educa2onal info from NES MoA/NES Companies managing freezers and goods for islands Mee2ng – face to face, emails MoA Customs agents Mee2ng – face to face, emails MoA Yacht and Launch skippers Customs and MoA websites, Facebook MoA (NES for Suwarrow) Cook Islands Customs Regular mee2ngs MoA Cruise ship operators Emails MoA Ministry of Finance and Economic Management Mee2ng – face to face, email MoA Secretary AircraJ operators Regular contact with MoA MoA AircraJ Passengers Ticke2ng and informa2on from airline Aircrap operators Police (Police vessel) Regular mee2ngs – face to face, email MoA General Public Part of environmental campaign websites and Facebook NES, TIS, transport operators Rarotonga schools Part of regular school programme NES, MoA Table 4: Audiences, means of messaging and who leads the communication Section ACTION WHO WHEN 7.2 Have regular mee2ngs with primary partners MoA From 2023 7.2 Request partners distribute informa2on MoA, NES At mee2ngs BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 17 PART III –PREVENTION 8 Preventing invasive species getting to islands Stopping invasive species gefng to islands is the most efficient use of biosecurity effort and funding. Preven2on is the combina2on of all ac2ons to prevent invasive species being transported to an island. The checking of gear and vessels, and taking steps to stop invasive species being transported, should become normal behaviour. It is important that people involved in biosecurity for Palmerston, Manihiki, Penrhyn and Suwarrow, par2cularly agency staff and island residents, are observed as sefng that standard for preven2on. 8.1 Pest surveillance at Avatiu Harbour and Port Observa2onal checks of the Port surroundings should be done every 3 months looking for invasive species threats within proximity of the port. This includes checking for weeds and looking for damaged plants, possibly from insects or fungi. People involved with the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust could poten2ally support this work. Assume that rats and some pest ants will be around the Port area without control and will con2nually re-invade. The bait sta2on network (see 8.2, rats and mice) can also be used as check/observa2onal sites for invasive ants round the Port area. Ant surveillance should be carried out quarterly in the Port area. A walk-through survey should occur to detect species currently present and ac2ve. Yellow Crazy Ants (YCAs) are already known around the Port area. Note that YCAs are most ac2ve at dusk. Poqle monitoring should also occur every four months to check for new ant threats and show if control measures are effec2ve. The table below shows the main foods and ac2vity for high-risk ants. A combina2on of sugar (1:1 sugar water) and protein (peanut buqer and sausage) should be used to maximise the ability to detect different species. Table 5 below shows some possible ant threats for Palmerston and the Northern Group islands. The standard MoA na2onal invasive ant surveillance programme method should be used. There are more ants than these listed that threaten the islands, also refer to invasive species lists in Appendix 1 and the Cook Island Biodiversity database. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 18 SPECIES LOCATIONS1 DIET PROBLEMS Yellow crazy ant (YCA) Anoplolepis gracilipes Rarotonga Proteins and sugars (Scavenging predator) (nectar & honeydew) Sprays formic acid. Harms crops, people, wildlife and infrastructure. Tropical fire ant Solenopsis geminata Rarotonga, French Polynesia, Samoa, Australia, Sugars and proteins (seeds, honeydew, insects). Painful bites and s2ngs. Agricultural and environmental pest. Carpenter ant Camponotus chloro4cus Rarotonga, Samoa, Tonga, Micronesia. Wood Hollows out wood. Damages buildings. Pharoh ant Monomorium pharaonis Rarotonga, Africa, Asia Sugars and proteins. Carries diseases. Big headed ant Pheidole megacephala Rarotonga, most of the Southern Group Tonga, Samoa, Hawaii. Sugars and seeds. Agricultural, domes2c and environmental pest. Not yet known to be in the Cook Islands Red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta USA, South America, Australia, Asia Sugars and proteins (dead animals, insects and honeydew). Painful s2ng. S2nging in swarms. Harms crops and wildlife. Argen7ne ants Linepithema humile New Zealand, every con2nent, Hawaii, Sugars and proteins. Insects, honeydew, nectar, carrion, Agricultural, domes2c and environmental pest. LiTle fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata Tahi2, Hawaii, Australia, PNG, Solomon Islands Sugars and proteins. Invertebrates and vertebrates, honeydew, nectar Irrita2ng s2ng. Agricultural, economic and environmental pest. Table 5: A selection of invasive ants to detect and potentially control at Avatiu Port Section ACTION WHO WHEN 8.1 Undertake observa2onal checks of the port and surroundings for invasive species. MoA Every 3 months 8.1 Assume rats will be present in and around the port and surrounding area. MoA, NES Always 8.1 Undertake surveillance for invasive ants at the port. MoA Every 3 months 1 Based on informa4on from the Cook Islands Biodiversity Database BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 19 8.2 Pest management at Avatiu Harbour and Port 8.2.1 Rats and mice A permanent rat/mouse bait sta2on line should be set up around the port, see the red line in Figure 1. These should extend from the port entrance area of the Interna2onal Terminal to the breakwater on the Airport side of the Harbour. About twenty permanent sites, each with a plas2c lockable bait sta2on, will be needed, each spaced approximately 50m apart. Sta2ons should be along an edge, such as a fence, building or rock wall or under a building (e.g., the Ministry of Transport or Ports Authority offices). Bait sta2ons should hold rodent poison to target rats and mice, preferably Pestoff rodent blocks containing brodifacoum. All bait sta2ons should be fixed in place. Baits should be replaced monthly. The Port Authority can change the baits once a month when undertaking their daily rubbish collec2on. Not all baits need to be changed at the same stage. A sec2on of the port could be changed each week for example. The Ministry of Health may be able to supply baits. Disposable gloves should be worn when handling rodent poisons. Figure 1: Aerial view of Avatiu Harbour and Port. Image supplied by Cook Islands Ports Authority 8.2.2 Ants and other insects To stop insects, and in par2cular ants, from gefng onto boats a combina2on of preven2on and control should occur. A barrier insec2cide (e.g., RipCord plus, Kiwicare No Bugs Super Protec2ve Barrier spray or Termador) should be used to create a 2-3m barrier opposite, on the inland side of where ships 2e- up. Do not spray immediately next to water. Check the proposed product/s are permiqed in the Cook Islands. Extreme cau2on is needed with these products, likely to be Fipronil, a pyrethroid or permethrin, that they do not enter the water as they are highly ecotoxic to aqua2c environments. Protec2ve clothing must be worn. These sprays need to be applied in fine, dry weather and low wind, when they bind well to the ground. This product should also be applied around pallets of mooring ropes or other stevedoring equipment when stored. Invasive species are more likely on the ground and near soil. Mooring ropes should be stored off the ground, without contac2ng the soil. Rubbish and refuse should be managed away from freight, mooring lines or any loading equipment. This control and preven2on should extend to the yacht mooring area, as some vessels go to the Northern Group islands and or Palmerston. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 20 People working in the Port area should also be made aware to look out for emerging queen ants prior to any sailings. This is high risk 2me as new colonies can easily establish. 8.2.3 Commercial operators Commercial operators within the port areas, such as warehouses, surveying vessels or fishing vessels should also be encouraged to keep areas clean and to have traps and or bait sta2ons in their sites or vessels. These operators may wish to become part of a Pest-free Warrant process on a voluntary basis (see sec2on 9). Rat, and separate mouse bait sta2ons should be on CIGT and Taio Shipping vessels and checked regularly. S2cky boards should also be on the vessels and checked regularly for invertebrate pests such as cockroaches. Commercial operators should manage insects in and around their worksites, including cargo storage areas. Where equipment and machinery is stored and operated, or where staff gear is stored and managed. Commercial operators should coordinate with MoA when surveys or control is being done. Any ants or insects that seem new or different, including new behaviours, should be reported promptly to MoA. Have several cans of general purpose insect spray on hand to respond to pest insects, for example an ant nest found on the fork hoist or in cargo. Keep warehouses clean and regularly swept to avoid any accumula2on of seeds or soil debris. 8.2.4 Regular management of coconut material Coconut trees exist around the sides of the Port area. Coconut leaves, coconuts and dead coconut material should be removed regularly so that coconut pests, such as coconut termites or the coconut rhinoceros beetle, have less suitable habitat to establish or spread. Coconut debris should also be cleaned from the boat ramp and adjacent inter2dal area. This will also reduce food and habitat for rats and insects. 8.2.5 Regular vegetation clearance Vegeta2on along the seaward side of the Port, along the stream edge, and along the road edge over the rock retaining wall should be regularly trimmed and any debris removed. This should ensure there is a clear area between any vegeta2on and the Port boundary. Although not all of the vegeta2on species are known, or if they are na2ve to Rarotonga or invasive, it should be assumed that some of the plants are not on Palmerston or on the Northern Group islands. Managing the vegeta2on also reduces the chance of insects or other invasive species gefng into the Port area. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 8.2 Establish a permanent bait sta2on network around Ava2u Port. MoA, Ports Authority 2023 8.2 Maintain bait sta2ons and replace rodent bait. Ports Authority Monthly 8.2 Use an insect barrier spray near bollards and where ships 2e up. Ports Authority Every 3 months 8.2 Use insect barrier spray around pallets of mooring ropes and stevedoring equipment. Shipping company Ongoing 8.2 Control insects in and around commercial worksites. Commercial operator Ongoing 8.2 Be on the lookout for queen ant hatches at the Port MoA, Ports Authority Ongoing 8.2 Encourage commercial operators in the Ports are to have traps and or bait sta2ons MoA, Ports Authority Ongoing 8.2 Keep warehouses regularly swept and clean. Commercial operator Ongoing BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 21 8.2 Have bait sta2ons and s2cky boards on CIGT and Taio Shipping vessels and check regularly CIGT, Taio Monthly 8.2 Remove rubbish and keep away from cargo, stevedoring equipment or crew gear. Ports Authority & Commercial operator Daily 8.2 Remove coconut material around the Ports and surrounding areas. Ports Authority, and Punanga Nui Market staff Regularly 8.2 Manage vegeta2on along the edges of the Ports Area. Port Authority Every 3 months 8.3 Controls for moving plants, fruits and vegetables. Plants, fruits and vegetables are a high risk of enabling the transport of insects, bugs, snails, fungi and weeds. This extends to any soil that may be on or around and plant material. Avoid the movement of plants as much as possible. The Ministry of Agriculture has exis2ng controls for the movement of plants and plant propaga2ng materials. An internal Clearance Cer7ficate from MoA is required before moving plants between islands. If plants must be moved, people should check with MoA first before deciding how and when to move the plants, and work with MoA to decide on the safest way. Source the plants from the MoA nursery. Seeds are a safer op2on, and again source these from MoA. All soil must be removed from plants and many plants must be defoliated. Ideally, MoA should be provided with a minimum of one week’s prior no2ce. All fruit and vegetables des7ned for any Pa Enua must be inspected by Biosecurity Services staff on Rarotonga prior to shipment. Inspec2ons should also occur for any fruit or vegeta2on being moved between islands. Coordinate any movement of plants with the MoA representa2ve on the Pa Enua and MoA Rarotonga. Vessels moving Cargo to the Pa Enua will not load plants, fruits or vegetable without having an inspec2on and Clearance Cer2ficate. These controls may also be stated in Biosecurity Pest-free declared area no2ces, see sec2on 8.8, or in a Pest-Free Warrant no2ce, see sec2on 9. The process and Internal Cer2ficates is described in the Manual of Biosecurity Procedures for the Cook Islands (MoA 2015). Section ACTION WHO WHEN 8.3 Avoid the movement of plants as much as possible. Everyone Always 8.3 Check with MoA before deciding on moving plants to other islands. Pa Enua, NES and individuals Always 8.3 Move seeds in preference to en2re plants and source from MoA. Pa Enua, NES and individuals Always 8.3 Remove all soil and defoliate plants before moving. Pa Enua, NES and individuals Always 8.3 Inform MoA an approval to move plants is required. Pa Enua, NES and individuals One week before movement BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 22 8.3 All fruit and vegetables must be inspected and obtain an internal cer2ficate to move by MoA. Pa Enua, NES and individuals Before movement 8.3 Companies and crew will only load plants, fruit or vegetables onto vessels with an internal cer2ficate. Shipping company Before loading. 8.4 Controls for moving live animals. Moving live animals could have very serious consequences. These include moving: • Diseases or parasites that can affect human health (e.g., Brucellosis or bird flu). • Diseases that can affect en2re herds and/or mul2ple species (e.g., African swine fever, or swine influenza). • Diseases or parasites that affect the health and produc2vity of animals, such as fowl pox, 2cks, lice or worms. • Weeds, either as seeds on the skin/fur, or from passing out weed maqer they have eaten. Tes2ng for mul2ple diseases in Rarotonga, or on the Pa Enua, will be difficult with limited experts and facili2es available. The best thing to do in most cases is to use a precau2onary approach. Whenever possible, avoid moving animals to or between islands. If animals must be moved, follow a clear process. There are current controls for the movement of animals and livestock. Any live animals to be moved to the Pa Enua must inspected by the Advisory service of MoA prior to transport. Any movement of animals between the Pa Enua, or from Pa Enua to Rarotonga must be inspected by islands Agriculture staff prior to transport. Only animals already present on the island, and allowed by the Pa Enua, will be allowed to be transported. Shipping companies will not load or transport animals without an inspec7on by and an Internal Clearance Cer7ficate from MoA. If animals must be moved, check with MoA staff first before deciding how and when to move them, and work with MoA to decide on the safest way. A vet may be involved at the discre2on of MoA. Each situa2on will be different. Following the suggested controls process, shown in Appendix 3, will help to minimise risks. REF ACTION WHO WHEN 8.4 Use a precau2onary approach to the movement of live animals. MoA Always 8.4 Avoid moving live animals if possible. MoA & Pa Enua Always 8.4 Only animals that are already present on the island, allowed by the Pa Enua and cleared by MoA, will be allowed. MoA Always 8.4 Any live animal being moved to the Pa Enua must be inspected. MoA Always 8.4 Follow the suggested controls prior to departure and once on the island. MoA Always 8.5 Controls for risk goods 8.5.1 Items that should be considered as risk goods Some of the highest risk-goods for transpor2ng pests are soil, pofng mix, mulch, unprocessed coconut wood or fibre, landscape and building supplies and heavy machinery. These are highly likely to have insects, spiders, bugs, weeds, fungi or other invasive species. These goods also have a higher risk of BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 23 transpor2ng rats and mice. The movement of these items should become controlled, similar to the movement of animals or plants, vegetables and fruit. Note that processed products, such as rito, are a much lower risk than the raw fibre or wood. For soil or pofng mix, if it must be taken to the island, it is safest to use the Yates Black Magic mix which comes in sealed bags and has been found to have the least weed issues in the MoA Nursery. Ideally buy the soil/pofng mix through MoA or through CITC if it becomes a Pest-Free Warranted business. Do not take bags that are split or damaged or are dirty with contaminated soil from other open bags. Any pofng mix or soil taken to the island should only be used in designated areas to restrict any weed issues and simplify surveillance. In the case of coconut wood or fibre there is a chance of transpor2ng pests such as coconut termites or the coconut rhinoceros beetle. The termite is present on Suwarrow, Pukapuka and Nassau. Avoid taking any coconut material to Palmerston, between any of the Northern Group islands or back to Rarotonga. Links for factsheets on the coconut termite and coconut rhinoceros beetle are given in Appendix 2. Building and landscaping supplies have a high-risk profile because of the associa2on with bare soil and disturbance, the large volume and inability to package them well, and with all of the places that are suitable for invasive species. These include pellets (e.g., pig pellets) and hay or straw. These are desirable for mice and rats and can also harbour many weed seeds or insects. Taking products that are fully sealed reduces the risk. Hay and or straw will remain a high risk especially for weeds and insects and should be avoided if possible. Heavy machinery, such as tractors, diggers, loaders, cranes, dump trucks etc., is a risk because of the large size, associa2on with disturbed soils, difficulty to clean and the places invasive species could hide. 8.5.2 Suggested controls for risk goods The table below indicates the goods discussed in 8.5.1 and suggests possible controls. These would be in addi2on to the exis2ng controls for plants, fruit and vegetables, and live animals. This is intended to start a discussion, rather than set rules. Risk good Poten7al controls Compost, pofng mix, or soil Transport only in commercially sealed bags, that are completely sealed (i.e., no cut, rip or tear), and from a list of suitable products available form MoA. Coconut material Do not transport unprocessed coconut material, nuts or leaves, without an Internal Clearance Cer2ficate from MoA. Animal feed Transport only in bags, that are completely sealed (i.e., no cut, rip or tear), and from a list of suitable products available from MoA. Hay or straw Only transport with an Internal Clearance Cer2ficate from MoA. Heavy machinery (tractors, diggers, loaders, cranes etc.) Must be water-blasted and made free of all soil, plant material and seeds. Building and landscape supplies (including tools) Clean and check thoroughly. Bang and shake to check for stowaways. Keep sealed if possible. MoA may require an Internal Clearance Cer2ficate. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 24 Table 6: Risk goods and possible controls to discuss. REF ACTION WHO WHEN 8.5 The transport of soil, pofng mix, mulch and unprocessed coconut should become controlled MoA As soon as possible 8.5 Use Yates – Black Magic pofng mix in sealed containers if possible MoA, Pa Enua Always 8.5 Only take goods in sealed bags or containers MoA, Pa Enua Always 8.5 Only use imported soil or pofng mix in designated areas on the islands. Pa Enua Always 8.5 Consider formal controls for risk goods MoA From 2023 8.6 Collaboration with shipping companies Shipping companies are an essen2al partner in keeping islands pest-free. See sec2on 9 about the Pest- Free Warrant. 8.7 Collaboration with suppliers Suppliers in Rarotonga, such as the CITC supermarket or building centre businesses, should be encouraged to ensure goods going to Palmerston, or any of the Northern Group islands, don’t have invasive species. This includes informing suppliers what the required controls are, and finding out from the suppliers how they can help. It is important to build partnerships for the protec2on of the islands. Try and find out if there is an area where goods des2ned for the islands, can be stored and beqer managed to protect the goods from pests. This may involve a secure area or an area that receives regular pest control and is free of possible pest contamina2on. Suppliers should be encouraged to join the Pest-Free Warrant system (see sec2on 9), or a similar system, if possible. Suppliers should receive informa2on, for example posters or web-based graphics, both to educate the staff, and to pass on to clients about keeping the islands free of invasive species. In return, the suppliers making the effort to help protect the islands, should be used as preferred suppliers by the residents of Palmerston, and poten2ally the Northern Group islands. Posters or s2ckers, and some kind of online icon or logo, should be displayed by the supplier to show clients they are a collabora2ng supplier. Informa2on about partnered supplies should also be displayed via Facebook and on websites. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 8.7 Collaborate with suppliers. MoA Ongoing 8.7 Consider storage sites for island supplies that are secure from pests. MoA, Suppliers From 2023 8.7 Provide suppliers with informa2on to pass onto their staff and customers. NES, MoA Ongoing 8.7 Use collabora2ng suppliers as preferred suppliers. Everyone Always 8.7 Display informa2on to show the business is a pest-free partner. MoA, Suppliers Once registered BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 25 8.8 Possible declaration of Pest-free biosecurity- controlled areas Within the Biosecurity Act 2008 there is a possibility to declare pest-free biosecurity areas under Sec2on 64 of the Act. If this is considered possible, both Palmerston and Suwarrow should be declared as pest-free, assuming the Palmerston eradica2on will be successful. In addi2on to declaring the areas as free of rats they could also be declared for a variety of pests such as mice, yellow crazy ants, carpenter ants, big headed ants or lantana. Coconut termites could be declared for Palmerston, but they are present on Suwarrow. Such a declara2on would require the support from NES, regarding Suwarrow, or any Pa Enua for any other island declara2on. Considera2on should also be given to declaring Ava2u Ports as a biosecurity pest-free area for the purpose of protec2ng Palmerston Island, Suwarrow Island and other islands. If the Islands are declared pest free for the listed pests, controls could be stated for the required management. For example, vessels or crap must be maintained free of the declared pests. Although the ac2ons would protect the islands from the stated pests it is also likely to offer protec2on from a large suite of pests. To help with considering declaring a pest-free biosecurity controlled area and assist with discussions, a hypothe2cal drap is shown in Appendix 4. It is the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture who would declare a pest-free biosecurity, and no2fy the public, once sa2sfied that the requirements within the Act have been met. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 8.8 Consider declaring biosecurity pest-free areas for Palmerston, Suwarrow and Ava2u Ports. MoA Secretary 2024 BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 26 9 Pest-Free Warrant The Pest-Free Warrant system has originated in the Auckland Hauraki Gulf area and has been running for around 13 years. The system is managed between Auckland Council and NZDOC. The Warrant system is a process of cer2fying businesses that transport people or goods to islands, work on the islands, or provide supplies to the islands. It would be possible to use this system within the Cook Islands. Either by using the concept, see the image to the right as a mock example, or by picking up the Hauraki Gulf’s system en2rely. Figure 2: Pest-free Warrant logo from Auckland of a Cook Islands alternative. Pest-free Warranted operators are treated as partners in protec2ng places, not as subordinates. The key focus should be on operators or suppliers who go to, or supply goods to, Palmerston Island or the Northern Group. The highest priority being CIGT and Taio Shipping and aircrap companies servicing Manihiki and Penrhyn. Voyaging vaka could also become cer2fied. There are four key components to the Pest-Free Warrant system: 1. The operator/supplier must supply relevant biosecurity informa2on to clients. With the ini2al informa2on normally supplied by the lead agency to the operator or supplier. 2. The operator/supplier must control pests on the vessel/s and at opera2onal sites including storage areas. 3. The operator must not transport risk-goods or declared goods without the goods having an inspec2on and authorisa2on. 4. The operator or supplier must report pests that have been intercepted. Businesses are assessed annually to ensure ongoing familiarity and compliance with the system. There is no charge for the Pest-Free Warrant system. It is in MoA’s and the Islands’ interests that the operators feel they are a partner protec2ng the islands. If or when such a system is adopted, it is important for the residents or providers of/for the islands to use the cer2fied operators as preferred suppliers. MoA staff could be trained in the Pest-Free Warrant system in Auckland by NZDOC or Auckland Council staff when training occurs with NZ Ministry of Primary Industries. This would need to be through a formal request to NZDOC and/or Auckland Council’s Pathways team. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 9 Consider implemen2ng a Pest-Free Warrant system in the Cook Islands. MoA 2023-2024 9 Liaise with NZDOC and NZ Auckland Council regarding the Pest-Free Warrant processes and material. MoA From 2023 BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 27 10 Prevention on islands 10.1 Biosecurity controls on Palmerston Island The Palmerston Biosecurity Officer must be familiar with this sec2on (10) of the Plan and discuss with the residents of Palmerston of what is needed from them. With no wharf at Palmerston Island, all unloading goes through a similar process regardless of the vessel arriving at Palmerston. Goods are loaded into small open Palmerston based vessels, which take the goods through the reef and to the landing site on Home Island. No unloading occurs without the approval of the resident MoA Biosecurity official. It is important that the Biosecurity Officer pre-prepares the landing site with response equipment, goes to the vessel to authorise the unloading, and then returns to the landing site to give clearance of goods aper inspec2on. All tenders should be checked for pests before loading begins, aper each load and when finished. Any goods going back to the main vessel, to go elsewhere, should also be carefully checked for pests and sealed. The vessel and goods, par2cularly any risk-goods, should be visually inspected prior to loading the Palmerston tenders. If any goods have any evidence of pests, they must be rejected and not transported to the island. Only aper a thorough inspec2on to ensure no pest is amongst the suspect goods can it be repackaged and transported to the island. If there is no secure space to do this on the boat, the suspect goods cannot go onto Palmerston Island. Once the tenders have transported goods to the loading site it is s2ll important that every person is vigilant about pests, including any evidence of rats, mice, gecko, ants, fruit fly, beetles, other insects, bugs, snails, fungi, weeds, seeds or mould. Dedicated biosecurity buckets should be at the landing site and have fly spray, bug bombs and polythene in case anything is detected. The polythene can be used to contain items with a suspected pest, e.g., beetle or gecko, to stop it from escaping. The buckets should be labelled “Biosecurity Response” and be clearly visible. Items must be checked for pests before they leave the landing site. Avoid offloading at sunset if it means goods would need to be checked at night. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 28 Sealed containers are the best way to pack and send goods. Sealed containers will generally not need to be opened at the landing site but a visual check of the outside of the container is required to check for any external pest that the container is no longer sealed or has been opened. All families/households should have a biosecurity container to seal items if anything suspicious is found when opening goods. If something suspicious is detected, seal up the container or item. Write down or record (video or voice recording) what was seen. Do not open the item un2l the Biosecurity Officer has been informed and is present or authorises the container to be opened in a controlled manner. Everyone on the island must be on the lookout for pests or unusual animals or plants when vessels are delivering goods to the island and for a period, 1-2 weeks, aperward. That includes looking for evidence of a wide range of pests, from rats to mosquitos. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 10.1 Discuss biosecurity awareness with the community Biosecurity Officer Ongoing 10.1 No unloading occurs without the approval of the resident Biosecurity Officer. Biosecurity Officer Always 10.1 Pre-prepare the landing site before offloading goods. Biosecurity Officer Always 10.1 Goods going off the island must also be checked and sealed Biosecurity Officer Always 10.1 Isolate and seal any suspicious items Everyone Always 10.1 Remain vigilant regarding pests Everyone 1-2 weeks aper ship arrives 10.2 Biosecurity controls for Suwarrow National Park A biosecurity plan exists for the Island of Suwarrow, highligh2ng risk pathways by which pests could invade Suwarrow and tasks that are required to minimize the introduc2on of pests to the island. Suwarrow is not an official port of entry to the Cook Islands. However, vessels have used Suwarrow as a port of first arrival and are therefore subject to border control requirements. All vessels travelling to outer islands, including Suwarrow, are subject to MoA internal controls. As Suwarrow is a Na2onal Park it is also subject to controls under the Conserva2on Act 1986/1987, managed by NES. Known pests on Suwarrow, based on the Cook Islands Biodiversity Database, include coconut termites, yellow paper wasp, chaff-flower weed, hairy spurge, tree hibiscus, biqer Phyllanthus, wild cape gooseberry and weedy pigweed. Black scorpions are probably na2ve to Suwarrow but are unwanted elsewhere. At the 2me of wri2ng this plan the outcome of the last eradica2on aqempt for Pacific rats in 2022, is s2ll unknown. Yellow paper wasps are only found on Suwarrow, Palmerston and Rarotonga but not on any of the other Northern Group islands. Coconut termites are only found on Suwarrow, Nassau and Pukapuka. The largest threat to Suwarrow is the movement of goods for the Ranger Sta2on. Risk-goods such as building supplies should be cleaned and inspected before transit. Ideally no soil or plant material should be moved. If plant material or soil must be taken it must be subject to rigorous quaran2ne protocols. No live animals should be taken to Suwarrow. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 29 The movement of items back to Rarotonga, or other islands from Suwarrow also has a risk of transpor2ng invasive species such as coconut termites, wasps, weeds or black scorpion, which could become a threat to other island communi2es. All vessels arriving at Suwarrow must be subject to a) comple2ng arrival paperwork, and b) inspec2ons before any person may be allowed on to Suwarrow. Visitors should be encouraged to arrive on the island with minimal gear, in closed bags, to reduce the threat of invasive pests arriving, or leaving the island. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 10.2 Follow Suwarrow biosecurity plan and internal controls for Suwarrow NES, MoA Always 10.2 Consider a Biosecurity Pest-free area declara2on for Suwarrow. MoA, NES 2023-2024 10.2 Avoid moving soil, plants, or unprocessed coconut materials to or from Suwarrow. NES, NES Ranger Always 10.2 Encourage visitors to have minimal gear and to transport gear in closed bags. NES, NES Ranger Always 10.2 All food and animal on deck be moved below deck prior to arrival to Suwarrow. NES Ranger Always 10.3 Biosecurity controls on Manihiki Island 10.3.1 Manihiki context Manihiki has a popula2on of 166. The CIGT cargo barge arrives every 2-3 months. Planes arrive approximately every two weeks. Currently fruit and vegetables come on every flight and barge, building supplies come on every barge. Animals arrive 1-2 2mes per year. Large machinery soil, pofng mix or mulch also arrives 1-2 2mes per year. An upgrade of the Manihiki Airport is currently planned. Planes and the CIGT barge arrive at Tukao. Goods being sent to Rarotonga or other islands include animals (6-7 2mes per year), plants, Uto (coconut embryo) on every barge, plants, large machinery, tamanu, logs and Rito. Biosecurity staff on Manihiki indicate that the residents have a moderate understanding of MoA regula2ons for moving plants, animals, fruit and vegetables yet they have a good level of compliance with the regula2ons. Fruit-fly are a perceived threat for the residents. The highest biosecurity risks are perceived to be via the cargo shipping between islands. Manihiki is currently serviced on the CIGT supply route that travels from Rarotonga to Manihiki, then onto Rakahanga then Penrhyn before returning to Rarotonga. Invasive species on Manihiki are shown in Appendix 1, many of which do not occur on either Rakahanga or Penrhyn. These include the carpenter ant, Dengue mosquito, longhorned crazy ant, mice, grey sugarcane mealybug, and many weeds. Pacific rats are also present. Pigs, chickens and cats are the domes2c animals present on Manihiki. Hermit crabs and coconut crabs are also present. The domes2c animals and crabs will affect invasive species surveillance on the island by interfering with baits, poten2ally being caught by traps, moving devices and poten2ally modifying pest behaviours. 10.3.2 Controls on Manihiki Island The exis2ng controls around the movement of plants, fruit and vegetables and live animals are useful and should be enforced. This also applies to goods leaving Manihiki going to other islands. Controls BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 30 around soil, mulch and pofng mix should also be considered. These items, as well as building supplies, landscaping supplies and heavy machinery should be inspected. Biosecurity controls should also be included in any infrastructure projects, including in contracts. If possible, gear should be inspected, preferably on the vessel before coming ashore, or the next best, at a designated landing site at Manihiki. The landing site should be located away from dense vegeta2on and have a container to seal any contaminated or suspicious items. The landing site should be checked for invasive ants and other species every 3 months and coincide with the barge schedule. MoA’s surveillance protocol for ants, using poqles, should be used as well as visual searches. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 10.3 Discuss biosecurity awareness with the community Biosecurity Officer Ongoing 10.3 Use exis2ng controls for plants, fruit and vegetables and live animals. MoA, Biosecurity Officer Always 10.3 Inspect risk goods prior to departure from Manihiki MoA, Always 10.3 Inspect goods on arrival on the vessel or at a designated landing site. Biosecurity Officer Always 10.3 Have a biosecurity response container where the biosecurity checks are occurring. Biosecurity Officer Always 10.3 Survey the landing site and surrounds for ants and other invasive species Biosecurity Officer Every 2-3 months 10.4 Biosecurity controls on Penrhyn/Tongareva Island 10.4.1 Penrhyn context Penrhyn/Tongareva has a popula2on of 226 (in 2016)2. The CIGT cargo barge arrives every 3 months and aircrap about every 2 months. Other vessels with goods or people arrive about twice a year. Fruit and vegetables and building supplies arrive with the cargo barge. The Tongoreva Airport and shipping arrivals are at Omoka. Fish and plants are sent from Penrhyn to Rarotonga on the CIGT barge. Residents have a moderate level of knowledge about biosecurity control but a poor level of compliance with the regula2ons for moving animals, plants or fruit and vegetables. The community is concerned about the possible arrival of the coconut rhinoceros beetle and believe it would most likely come from Rarotonga. Any invasive pests on coconut plants will affect rito and other coconut products. Domes2c animals present on Penrhyn include cats, chickens and pigs. Hermit crabs, coconut crabs, tupa (crab) and geckos exist on the island and would interfere with poten2al surveillance tools. Penrhyn is serviced on the CIGT supply route that travels from Rarotonga to Manihiki, then onto Rakahanga, then Penrhyn before returning to Rarotonga. Any invasive species on Manihiki and Rakahanga Islands are poten2al threats to Penrhyn. The invasive species on Penrhyn are shown in Appendix 1. Benjamin fig, puncture weed, the Australian cockroach and giant clam shrimp only occurs 2 Sourced from www.mfem.gov.ck on 15th May 2023 BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 31 on Penrhyn and does not occur on Rarotonga, the other Northern Group islands or Palmerston. Therefore, the invasive species on Penrhyn are a threat for Rarotonga and thereaper all other islands. 10.4.2 Controls on Penrhyn/Tongareva Island The controls for Penrhyn are the same for Manihiki. The exis2ng controls around the movement of plants, fruit and vegetables and live animals are useful and should be enforced. This also applies to goods leaving Penrhyn going to other islands. Controls around soil, mulch and pofng mix should also be considered. These items, as well as building supplies, landscaping supplies and heavy machinery should be inspected. Biosecurity controls should also be included in any infrastructure projects, including contracts. If possible, gear should be inspected, preferably on the vessel, or the next best, at a designated landing site at Penrhyn. The landing site should have a container to seal any contaminated or suspicious items. The landing site should be away from any dense vegeta2on and checked for invasive ants and other species every 3 months and coincide with the barge schedule. MoA’s poqle monitoring protocol for ants should be used as well as visual searches. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 10.4 Use exis2ng controls for plants, fruit and vegetables and live animals. MoA, Biosecurity Officer Always 10.4 Inspect risk goods prior to departure from Penrhyn MoA, biosecurity Officer Always 10.4 Inspect goods on arrival on the vessel or at a designated landing site. Biosecurity Officer Always 10.4 Have a biosecurity response container where the biosecurity checks are occurring. Biosecurity Officer Always 10.4 Survey the landing site and surrounds for ants and other invasive species Biosecurity Officer Every 3 months BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 32 PART IV - SURVEILLANCE Although pest preven2on aims to minimise the risk of pests arriving it is s2ll essen2al to detect pests if they arrive. This includes finding re-invading rats and invasive species that have never arrived before. This can be done using detec2on devices or via observa2ons. 11 Observations Observa2ons are the most powerful and frequent surveillance tool to cover a range of invasive species on inhabited islands. There are nearly 250 invasive species noted between Rarotonga, Palmerston and the Northern Group islands. People are the most important surveillance tool. No device can detect so many pests. People need to make sure they are alert and looking in the right places. Residents are likely to be the first people to see any sign of rodents or other invasive species if they arrive or establish. Pests are most likely to arrive with people and their goods, and ini2ally be around the areas with people. Residents need to know what rodent sign looks like and which other invasive species to look out for. Training should be made available to key staff and residents so that they can recognise evidence of invasive species. This informa2on should be passed on within the community. Evidence includes chewing on wires and food, droppings, any nest like material, birds being killed, or ants in places or with behaviours that haven’t been no2ced before. Some resources regarding field the sign and iden2fica2on of pests include the Pest Detec2ve website for rats and mice, the Pacific Invasives Ant Toolkit and the Cook Islands Biodiversity Database. See Appendix 5 for further resources. From other inhabited or frequently visited islands it has been shown that while observa2ons are very useful, they are less accurate. Training of key people to detect invasive species, to communicate with others about pests, and to interview and verify people who have observed a suspected pest is necessary to prevent was2ng 2me and resources responding to pests that may not be present. The Biosecurity Officer should work with each family, individually or collec2vely, and the school, at least annually and preferably every six months to familiarise, or re-familiarise, all residents with possible signs of pests. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 33 As important as iden2fying a possible new pest, is knowing what to do, and when, if a pest is detected or suspected. The Biosecurity Officer is the first point of contact on the island for any new or suspected pest, which should be reported immediately. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 11 Provide training for key staff and residents to recognise evidence of invasive species. MoA, NES Ongoing 11 Trained staff and residents should pass on informa2on within the community to the school and families. Biosecurity Officer, interested residents Ongoing 11 Train key staff how to communicate and interview others to verify observa2ons. MoA From 2023 11 Use the Biosecurity Officer on the island as the ini2al point of contact for repor2ng invasive species Island residents Ongoing BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 34 12 Surveillance on Palmerston Island Surveillance on Palmerston Island should aim to detect: Rats Mice Invasive ants Thrips and shield bugs Coconut rhinoceros beetle Coconut termites Disease carrying mosquitos. Weeds Animal diseases Non-target species that may interfere with, or be harmed by surveillance methods on Palmerston Island include children, pigs, chickens, crabs, ants and lizards. 12.1 Surveillance for rats and mice The surveillance for rats and mice on Palmerston is influenced by the presence of hermit crabs, chickens, pigs, cats, ants and children. Beqer knowledge of the interac2on between these non-target species and the various surveillance tools will help refine the surveillance regime over 2me. Op2ons of tracking cards, traps, wax-tags, and cameras were considered and aren’t deemed suitable for widespread, ongoing surveillance. Chew cards are considered viable, but this too may require refinement for the Palmerston situa2on. Paying aqen2on to detail is cri2cal for all biosecurity components, including surveillance. An eradica2on mindset is needed – that each device has the highest chance of detec2ng the target pest. Every device or tool needs to be used and managed so that any pest present is detected. 12.1.1 Network A network of permanent surveillance sites should be set up. This network can also be used during an incursion response. The network should include: Approximately 20-25 sites around the perimeter of the island, around 100m apart. A site at each house or communal building A site, or sites, at the nursery A site where pigs are open fed. A site, or sites, at other known food sources for rats, e.g., fruit trees, chicken roosts, or bird colonies. In total there is likely to be 40-50 sites. Each site should be permanently marked and have a unique site number. Numbered caqle tags work well for this. Each site will have a wooden tracking tunnel. These won’t be used for tracking during surveillance ini2ally but need to be at the sites in case of an incursion (see sec2on 14.3). Using permanent sites also allows general invasive species observa2ons at each site. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 35 12.1.2 Chew cards Chew cards are a piece of core-flute plas2c with a lure pressed into the small internal sec2ons of the core-flute. For rats and mice, the lure is usually peanut buqer. To access the peanut buqer rats and mice bite into the card, leaving evidence of either a rat or a mouse. A useful guide to the interpreta2on of bite marks, including rats and mice, has been prepared by Landcare Research in New Zealand and can be accessed online3. Figure 4: Chew card deployed on a tree. On Palmerston the chew cards could be nailed up the trunk of a tree or onto a piece of wood to minimise interference by crabs, but s2ll allow access for rats or mice. Chew cards can either be bought from New Zealand pre-loaded with peanut buqer4 or can be made up on the island. There are instruc2ons to make the cards5 but they can also be made longer and thinner (see image above). Chew cards can be constructed from old signs, but it is essen2al to ensure pests aren’t hiding in the small holes before being transported to Palmerston. Either the 90mm x 180mm size (see Predator Free NZ - How to make chew cards) or 80mm x 200mm size (image above) will suffice, with the laqer allowing for 180 chew cards from one (1200 x 2400mm) sheet of core-flute. This means two sheets would be enough for the monitoring for a year. Pre-purchased cards would be best stored frozen to increase their shelf-life. If making up the cards on Palmerston, using a crunchy peanut buqer can help to minimise the impacts of ants. Chew cards can also be an addi2onal surveillance for some invasive ants. For each surveillance event the chew cards should be placed out and lep for one or two nights. This will be informed and refined in future by looking at the level of interference over two nights. Record the dates the cards were placed out and retrieved. When placing the chew cards each card should be labelled with the site number. Aper the 1-2 nights the cards should be collected. When collec2ng cards inspect each card for evidence of rats or mice. If there is any suspected rat or mice damage, photograph the card, including the site number, as a backup in case the card is lost or damaged. Also note and record the level of damage or interference from other animals. Keep the cards from any surveillance session as a set. Cards should be rechecked back at a base once collected, ideally by a second person. The set of cards should be kept for 3 months as a reference, if needed, in case rat or mouse sign is later found. 12.1.3 Frequency The frequency of surveillance on Home Island will depend on how open vessels come to Palmerston, primarily vessels with cargo for the island. Surveillance with chew cards should occur within 1-2 weeks of a vessel bringing goods or cargo to the island. This is likely to be 3-6 2mes per year. However, island residents, and especially the Biosecurity Officer, should be always alert for any evidence of rats or mice. Surveillance on other islands or motu around the atoll should occur when groups go to those places. Chew cards can easily be placed out and checked within 1-200m of the key landing sites on each motu. 3 hHps://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/discover-our-research/biodiversity-biosecurity/animal-pest- management/chewcards-for-detec4ng-animal-pests/ 4 hHps://www.connova4on.co.nz/products/chew-cards 5 hHps://predatorfreenz.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/How to make chew cards.pdf BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 36 Surveillance for rats and mice needs to be ready to begin on Home Island approximately two to three weeks aper the rat eradica2on on Home Island has been completed. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 12.1 Pay aqen2on to detail for surveillance Palmerston Biosecurity Officer Always 12.1 Establish a network of 40-50 permanent sites with a numbered marker. Palmerston Biosecurity Officer 2 weeks aper eradica2on 12.1 Place a wooden tracking tunnel at each site Palmerston Biosecurity Officer 2 weeks aper eradica2on 12.1 Use chew cards for surveillance monitoring, placing the out for 1-2 nights before retrieving Palmerston Biosecurity Officer 1-2 weeks aper each supply boat. 12.1 Check cards at the site and again back at a base Palmerston Biosecurity Officer When retrieving cards 12.2 Surveillance for other pests on Palmerston Surveillance for hor2cultural pests, coconut rhinoceros beetle, coconut termites, weeds and animal diseases will be via observa2ons from the Palmerston Biosecurity Officer and the community (see sec2on 11). The island nursery will be a key surveillance site for hor2cultural pests. For animal diseases the most important period is when animals have recently arrived on the island, and this should be done with the animal’s owner. For disease carrying mosquitos the Ministry of Health representa2ve on Palmerston would take the lead for surveillance. Informa2on on a selec2on of invasive species is available in Appendix 2. Ants will have structured monitoring due to the high risk, high impacts, and the difficulty to detect ants via observa2ons alone. 12.2.1 Ant monitoring According to the Cook Island Natural Heritage database, Palmerston Island already has seven species of invasive ants. Rarotonga has 24 species of invasive ants, including yellow crazy ants, longhorned crazy ants, robust crazy ants, big headed ants, Pharoah ants and instances of Tropical fire ants arriving. Pukapuka also has eight ant species not on Palmerston, including woolly ants that aren’t on Rarotonga. Poqle monitoring, using ~30ml poqles with a combina2on of a) 1:1 ra2on sugar water and a small amount of coqon wool, and b) a sausage meat paste, will be used. This method can detect most, but not all (e.g., Carpenter ants), invasive ants on Rarotonga or on other Pa Enua. MoA has a protocol for ant poqle monitoring which can be used. The chew cards to detect rats and mice may also detect some ant species. Monitoring should occur within 1-3 days aper goods have arrived. Poqles should be placed across the landing area at approximately 5m spacing. This should include a line of poqles going down the edge of the coastal vegeta2on edge and the access road heading to the village, each about 50m long. Approximately 200 poqles should be on the island to enable poqle monitoring. About 80 poqles would be needed for the landing areas and lines of poqles. Do not use sunscreen or any other chemical lo2ons before handling poqles. If any risk-goods have arrived, then the areas where these have been moved to should also be surveyed using the poqle monitoring method. The Biosecurity Officer on Palmerston should become familiar with iden2fying key features and behaviours of invasive ant species. To aid iden2fica2on, a high-quality clip-on macro lens for a smart phone camera is useful. So is a jeweller’s loop. The Cook Islands Biodiversity database is a useful BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 37 resource. Ant monitoring guides have also been provided by Key Industries in New Zealand. The Pacific Invasives Ant Toolkit is a useful resource. If any new invasive ant species are detected contact MoA in Rarotonga immediately. Take accurate photographs and records. See sec2on 14 about responding to an incursion. 12.2.2 Active surveillance for weeds. Ac2ve surveillance is well described by NZDOC in their Conserva2on Weed Management SOP (2008), DOCDM-231178. It is more efficient to treat weed species when they are found. Ac2ve surveillance is a planned ac2vity that focuses on places of interest and species that haven’t been found on the island previously. For Palmerston, Manihiki, Penrhyn or Suwarrow, even plants na2ve to Rarotonga or other islands could become invasive. As a summary island biosecurity ac2ve surveillance is: • A planned activity, targeting specific sites on islands to detect new incursions of invasive plants. • Carried out by people who are equipped to respond immediately. • An attempt to eliminate the pest plants at the same time they are discovered on the island/s. • Focused on vulnerable sites. The focus areas include: • Landing sites • The first sec2on of roads or tracks aper the landing area • Gardens, nurseries or hor2cultural sites • Previously disturbed sites from building or infrastructure projects • Sites where risk-goods have been moved to (e.g., where live animals have been released) • Sites where goods arrive on the other motu. The surveillance is done by visual searching. The intent is to treat any small-scale new weed infesta2ons straight away. Treatment can be by hand pulling, herbicides, cufng or a combina2on. If large infesta2ons are found this method becomes unsuitable. An ac2ve surveillance kit should be arranged for the island. This should include secateurs, loppers, a tarpaulin to cover plants, herbicide gel, herbicide spray, safety equipment and a list or booklet of weeds of concern. NES already has lists of environmental weeds which could be provided. Photographs should be taken of any suspected weeds on the islands. The photos should be of the plant and of the site. Photos of the plants should be sent to the Cook Island Natural Heritage Trust for formal iden2fica2on and adding to the database. Because residents live and work in the same areas there is also a level of fortuitous or accidental weeds surveillance occurring. Some of the more significant weeds to be aware of include the 36 species listed in Table 7 below. These are listed as the most serious invasives and occur on Rarotonga and no more than two of the other islands covered in this plan. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 38 African Tulip-tree Jambolan Albizia Lantana Bay-rum tree Leucaena Bisset's Bamboo Mile-a-minute Weed Calopo Night-blooming cestrum Cecropia Red passionfruit Centro buqerfly-pea Red Strawberry-guava Cockleburr Red-bead tree Comb Hyp2s Rose apple Crassicarpa Sensi2ve weed Dodder Spanish clover False Elephant's foot Sudan Grass Giant Reed Surinam Cherry Grand balloon-vine Tree marigold Hard passionfruit Triumfeqa weed Honolulu rose Tropical Kudzu Indigo White ginger Inkberry Wild basil Table 7: Highly invasive weeds to look out for Surveillance for weeds should be reported on in the Biosecurity Officer’s monthly reports to MoA. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 12.2 Surveillance of most invasive species and disease is via observa2ons. Palmerston Biosecurity Officer Ongoing 12.2 MoH will take the lead on disease carrying mosquitos. Palmerston Nurse Ongoing 12.2 Undertake poqle monitoring for ants. Palmerston Biosecurity Officer When goods arrive. 12.2 Become familiar with iden2fying ants. Palmerston Biosecurity Officer Ongoing 12.2 Focus on key risk sites for weed surveillance. Biosecurity officers Ongoing 12.2 Arrange a kit for ac2ve weed surveillance for each island. MoA, NES 2023-2024 12.2 Provide iden2fica2on resources for invasive weeds NES, MoA 2023-2024 12.2 Take photos of new weeds on islands and send to CI Natural Heritage Trust. Biosecurity officers ongoing 12.2 Become familiar with the key surveillance weeds. Biosecurity Officer Ongoing 12.2 Include weed surveillance in monthly reports. Biosecurity Officer Monthly BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 39 13 Surveillance on Manihiki, Penrhyn and Suwarrow The surveillance on Manihiki and Penrhyn is a copy of the descrip2on and ac2ons noted in sec2on 12.2 Surveillance for other pests on Palmerston Island. However, there may also be surveillance at or near the airports and any large infrastructure projects. For surveillance on Suwarrow, refer to the Suwarrow Biosecurity Ac2on Plan (Boudjelas et al 2014). This would be managed by NES in consulta2on with MoA. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 40 PART V - INCURSIONS 14 Incursion Response preparation For each island there is a requirement to be able to respond to an invasive species incursion. On Palmerston or Suwarrow this will include rats and or mice. For all islands this includes agricultural or hor2culture pests, animal disease, or invasive ants. The speed and intensity of the response should match the biology of the invasive species. Rats, mice and insects can breed quickly so responses must be fast. For some weeds the urgency may be lower. Each incursion will be unique and should be considered independently. 14.1 How will it be managed? It is important to be swip and asser2ve for incursion management, making the incursion the top priority. Use as much resource as possible ini2ally, then scale back later. This includes all MoA biosecurity staff on the island and as many other agency staff and residents as possible. A clear management structure is essen2al so that everyone knows who’s responsible and what their role is. On Palmerston, Mahihiki, Penrhyn or Suwarrow, it is the staff and residents on the island that will need to undertake the work. However, the overall response can be managed from Rarotonga. For biosecurity incursions this allows for beqer use of the Biosecurity Act to resource technical or logis2cal support. Either the Biosecurity Director, or a delegate who can focus on the incursion, should be in charge. Ideally this will be a person who knows the island. For Suwarrow, NES will be the managing agency. On the island, the Biosecurity Officer should be responsible for the opera2onal response. Technical Advice should support the person in charge but can also support the Biosecurity Officer. Technical Advisors are not decision makers. The person in charge should also have regular liaison with the Mayor and or island Representa2ve. The likely person in charge should be familiar with the surveillance and incursion response sec2ons of this plan. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 14.1 Be asser2ve for incursion management Everyone Always 14.1 Ensure a clear management structure MoA, Island Council Always 14.1 Biosecurity Director or delegate to manage overall response, who can focus on the response Biosecurity Director 14.1 NES to Manage incursions on Suwarrow NES Always BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 41 14.1 Manage incursion opera2ons on island Biosecurity Officer Always 14.1 Liaise with Mayor or island representa2ve Person in charge of incursion response Always 14.1 Be familiar with the biosecurity Plan Surveillance and Incursion sec2ons Likely person in charge of incursion response Always 14.2 Training People involved should be trained in what will occur and how to use the tools for a response. For Palmerston this can be done as part of the rat eradica2on project. The Biosecurity Officer should also be considered as part of the wider MoA organisa2on and receive regular training on tools and prac2ces. The Biosecurity Officer should ensure they are comfortable with using every device in the incursion response store. Where possible the Biosecurity Officer can take other people when carrying out surveillance so that others become familiar with the sites and devices. At least annually the Biosecurity Officer should also do a training at a community event to show residents traps, tracking tunnels, chew cards, bait sta2ons, poqles and ant poison and how to use them. Once every 1-2 years a one-day incursion response exercise would be useful to re-familiarise staff and residents about the process and tools. Devices are likely to be used in and around people’s homes during an incursion response so the Biosecurity Officer should help residents plan where traps, tracking tunnels, bait sta2ons or poqles would be best placed. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 14.2 Be comfortable with every incursion response device/tool. Biosecurity Officer Always 14.2 Train people likely to be involved with response tools. MoA, NES, TIS, Biosecurity Officer Ongoing 14.2 Take other people out when doing surveillance to familiarise others MoA, NES, TIS, Biosecurity Officer Once established 14.2 Run a one-day incursion response training MoA, NES, Biosecurity Officer Every 2 years 14.2 Help Residents plan where to put devices in or around their homes. Biosecurity Officer 2023 14.3 Incursion Response equipment It is the Biosecurity Officer’s responsibility to maintain an incursion response kit. The items for the Palmerston kit are shown in Appendix 6. These items need to be available for an incursion and most need to be in a clean, dry area. Some items may need to be chilled, frozen or stored electronically. Because there would be a delay in gefng items to the islands the incursion kits are rela2vely large. The kit should be inspected at least annually and reported on to MoA Biosecurity. Wooden tracking tunnels will already be deployed at surveillance sites around Home Island on Palmerston, to weather the boxes, and to allow for their rapid use when an incursion occurs. These tunnels are 125mm high by 106mm wide to allow for mul2ple traps as well as tracking cards. A hole will be drilled horizontally through the tunnel to allow a wire and use the tunnel as a bait sta2on for rodent poison. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 42 Figure 5: Tracking tunnel box end and side profile. The Biosecurity Officer will need to request replacement of perishable supplies (e.g., peanut buqer and rodent bait) and other equipment or consumables with a limited life. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 14.3 Maintain the incursion response kit. Biosecurity Officer Ongoing 14.3 Inspect the incursion response kit. Biosecurity Officer Annually 14.3 Deploy wooden tracking tunnels at surveillance sites. Palmerston Biosecurity Officer 2023 14.3 Ensure every wooden trap has a hole drilled to use as a rodent poison bait sta2on Palmerston Biosecurity Officer 2023 BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 43 15 Responding to an incursion It is possible that rats or mice could invade onto Palmerston or Suwarrow. Weeds, ants or other insect pests could invade onto any island. This sec2on gives an ini2al plan to rapidly respond to rat, mouse or ant incursions. For a rat or mouse incursion on Suwarrow refer to the Suwarrow Biosecurity Ac2on Plan. For weeds and other animal pests there is usually 2me to decide the best ac2ons to take, also no2ng that ac2ve surveillance for weeds is also an incursion response. For all incursions arrange for technical/specialist advice to support the response via MoA in Rarotonga. MoA, along with NES, should keep a database of all incursions within the Cook Islands. All island incursions should be added to the database. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 15 Use this plan as an ini2al response plan for rats, mice and ants MoA, Biosecurity Officer Ongoing 15 Arrange technical specialists to support incursion responses MoA, Always 15 Keep a database of all incursions within the Cook Islands. MoA, NES Ongoing 15.1 Incursion response triggers An incursion response can be triggered by the situa2ons below: 1. Detec7on. A live pest found (i.e., seen, photographed, trapped or found). 2. Suspected. For example, a dead animal is found, footprints or droppings are found, seeds are found, animals or plants are sick or dying, insect damage is seen. 3. Highly likely. For example, a report of a deliberate introduc2on, a shipwreck on the reef, or threats made to release pests. 4. Intercep7on. A pest is detected on a boat or plane that has been to the island. It is the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture’s decision to respond to an incursion. The Secretary will delegate to the Director of Biosecurity to act on the Incursion. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 44 15.2 For all incursions For all incursions follow the procedure below. 1. If the incursion occurs during offloading a vessel, cease the offloading un2l the incursion situa2on is managed and/or contained. 2. Collect and secure all evidence and informa2on. a. The site should be closed off, marked and examined. b. Take notes, recording all details (for example, bite marks in food on the bench and suspicious droppings found nearby). c. All evidence should be photographed and collected. d. Treat the area like a crime scene. 3. Immediately no2fy the following people about the incursion. e. The Biosecurity Officer on the Island (if someone other than the Biosecurity Officer has found the incursion) f. The Island Mayor (or NES for Suwarrow) g. The Director – Biosecurity in MoA in the first instance (or Deputy Director) 4. The Director – Biosecurity on providing advice to the MoA Secretary should immediately decide whether to respond to the incursion. 5. Inform island residents that an incursion response is happening. 6. Get expert advice. a. Use experts to confirm the likelihood and iden2ty of a pest. b. Request that a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is set up via MoA in Rarotonga. 15.3 Responding to a rat incursion 15.3.1 Initial response for rats 1. Check any exis2ng chew cards or other devices that are s2ll out as part of current surveillance. Ensure all details are recorded. 2. Re-check the set of chew cards from the last surveillance session. 3. Find out and record if there have been any vessel movements to the island or between the different motu within the last two weeks? 4. Exclude pigs and chickens from the area where the rat/s have been detected. If possible, pen the pigs and chickens. 5. Ensure residents seal food in rodent-proof containers where possible. 6. Record all ac2ons taken as part of the response. Notebooks are provided as part of the response kit. 7. Use the surveillance sites as the ini2al response network. a. At every site set out fresh chew cards, baited with peanut buqer. The cards can be fixed off the ground, part way up a tree or on a piece of wood, to minimise crab interference. b. At every odd numbered site (1, 3, 5, 7, ….), place out a tracking card in the wooden tunnel, fixing the card with a staple or map pin. Ensure each card is labelled with the date, site number and lure. Inside the tunnel place a poison rodent block on the horizontal wire. Also lure the top, inside of the tunnel with peanut buqer. Use disposable gloves when handling poison. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 45 c. At every even numbered site (2, 4, 6, 8, ….) install two victor rat traps, back-to-back within the wooden tunnel. This means the rat can approach from either direc2on. Lure the traps with a combina2on of peanut buqer and lightly roasted coconut flesh. Victor traps should be finely set. 8. Near the detec2on site, set out the DOC200 traps at approximately 50m spacings. Bait the traps with peanut buqer and lightly roasted coconut flesh. DOC200 traps should be calibrated to 75 grams. Ensure each trap has a unique iden2fica2on number. 9. Install a lockable rat bait sta2on with a poison rodent block in, or at, each house or communal building, cooking place, refuse site, the nursery and near (but outside) the pigpen. Use disposable gloves when handling poison rodent bait. Ensure each bait sta2on has a unique iden2fica2on number. The response network is likely to take 2-3 people 2-3 days to establish. Establishing the full network will slow down on the second day when checking of the network is also needed. 15.3.2 Checking the response network. 1. Once the incursion network devices are in place, they should be checked daily for 7 days. 2. Each chew card, tracking card, poison rodent bait, trap and bait sta2on should be checked daily. 3. Any evidence of rats should be recorded, and the evidence should be photographed and collected (e.g., a chew card, poison bait or tracking card). 4. If any rat is found in a trap, photograph it and then place it in a bag with a label, then in a second bag before freezing the rat. Before freezing, cut off an ear and store that as shown in the Ecogene DNA sampling protocols. 5. Chew cards that have been damaged, tracking cards tracked, or poison rodent bait eaten, should be replaced. Collect, keep and record anything replaced. Get a second person to double check any items collected to ensure there is no evidence of a rat. 6. Any peanut buqer or coconut that has been eaten, or gone mouldy, should be replaced. 7. A daily record of the response ac2vi2es must be kept and sent to MoA, to the mayor, and to the Technical Advisory Group if one has been established. 8. If no rat sign has been found for seven days, replace all baits and cards and reduce the checks to every three days. 9. If no rat sign has been found for three weeks, replace all baits and cards and then reduce the checks to once a week. 15.3.3 Checking other motu 1. Once the incursion network has been set up where the incursion, or suspicion of incursion is, and if there is no obvious link to a rat coming off a vessel or aircrap, adjacent motu could also be checked. 2. Other motu can be checked using chew cards, tracking tunnels and Victor rat traps. 3. Record and report on all checks undertaken on adjacent motu. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 46 15.3.4 Wind up and finishing the rat response. Aper six weeks of no evidence of any rat, and the response effort is considered adequate, the Secretary of Agriculture on advice from the Director of Biosecurity can close the response. The Director of Biosecurity should consult with the Technical Advisory Group about the amount of effort and the adequacy of the response. The Biosecurity Officer must ensure that all gear used is cleaned and returned to the Incursion Response kit, and the incursion kit is either restocked with any perishable items that were used e.g., peanut buqer, or these items are re-ordered via MoA in Rarotonga. The Biosecurity Officer should record any lessons learned and make sugges2ons for improving future responses. 15.4 Responding to a mouse incursion 15.4.1 Initial response for mice 1. Follow steps 1-6 from the ini2al response for rats (15.3.1) 2. Use the surveillance sites as the ini2al response network. a. At every site set out fresh chew cards, baited with peanut buqer. b. At every odd numbered site (1, 3, 5, 7, ….), place out a tracking card in the wooden tunnel, fixing the card with a staple or map pin. Ensure each card is labelled with the date, site number and lure. Inside the tunnel place a poison rodent block on the horizontal wire. Also lure the top, inside of the tunnel with peanut buqer. Use disposable gloves when handling poison. c. At every even numbered site (2, 4, 6, 8, ….) install two victor mouse traps, back-to- back within the wooden tunnel. Place a s2ck on either side to direct the mouse to the plate of the trap. This means the mouse can approach from either direc2on. Lure the traps with a combina2on of peanut buqer and coconut flesh. Victor traps should be finely set. d. At the site of the detec2on, and within a 200m radius of the mouse detec2on site, at each surveillance site, and halfway between each surveillance site, place and secure a mouse bait sta2on. If possible, place 5 pellets of Pestoff 20R rodent bait in each mouse sta2on. Otherwise place one Pestoff Rodent Block in each sta2on. 3. In each house or building place a mouse trap where mice will have access, but children, chicken and pets cannot. Bait the mouse traps with peanut buqer. 4. Install a lockable mouse bait sta2ons with a poison rodent block in, or at, each house or communal building, cooking place, refuse site, the nursery and near (but outside) the pigpen. Use disposable gloves when handling poison rodent bait. Ensure each bait sta2on has a unique iden2fica2on number. The response network is likely to take 2-3 people 2-3 days to establish. Establishing the full network will slow down on the second day when checking of the network is also needed. 15.4.2 Checking the response network. 1. Use the same checking regime as in the rat response network steps 1-4, and steps 8 and 9 (15.3.2). BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 47 2. If any mouse is found in a trap, photograph it and then place it in a bag with a label, then in a second bag before freezing the rat. Before freezing, cut off an ear and store it as shown in the Ecogene DNA sampling protocols. 3. Mouse evidence on chew cards can easily be overlooked. Look very closely for fine gnawing, normally on one surface. Also look for the peanut buqer being licked into each sec2on, from the boqom of the card. If in doubt, replace, collect and photograph the card and ask experts to confirm. 4. Any tracking cards tracked, or poison bait eaten, should be replaced. Collect, keep and record anything replaced. Get a second person to double check any items collected to ensure there is no evidence of a rat. 5. Any peanut buqer or coconut that has been eaten, or gone mouldy, should be replaced. 6. A daily record of the response ac2vi2es must be kept and sent to MoA, to the mayor, and to the Technical Advisory Group if one has been established. 15.4.3 Checking other motu 1. Mice are unlikely to swim between motu. 2. Once the incursion network has been set up where the incursion, or suspicion of incursion is, and if there is no obvious link to a mouse coming off a vessel or aircrap, adjacent motu could also be checked. 3. The motu can be checked using chew cards, tracking tunnels and Victor mouse traps. 4. Record and report on all checks undertaken on adjacent motu. 15.4.4 Wind up and finishing the mouse response. As with the rat response, aper six weeks of no evidence of any mouse, and the response effort is adequate, the Secretary of Agriculture on advice from the Director of Biosecurity can stop the response. The Director of Biosecurity should consult with the Technical Advisory Group about the amount of effort and the adequacy of the response. Once the response is stopped the Biosecurity Officer must ensure that all gear used is cleaned and returned to the Incursion Response kit. All consumable items (e.g., tracking cards) must be re-ordered for the next cargo vessel delivery. The Biosecurity Officer should record any lessons learned and make sugges2ons for improving future responses. 15.5 Responding to an ant incursion Invasive ants could be detected anywhere on the island. They are most likely to be found near the landing site, in or near houses, buildings or infrastructure, at the nursery, where soil has been moved, and near food sources. The following response is considered adequate for many invasive species, but it won’t be successful for all invasive ant species. The sooner ants can be found, iden2fied and controlled the more chance there is of stopping them from establishing on the island. All informa2on must be recorded. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 48 15.5.1 Response for invasive ants 1. Cordon off the area and ensure no-one moves anything from within the area to any other loca2on. 2. Exclude pigs and chickens from the area, if possible. 3. Take high resolu2on photographs of the suspected invasive ants with a macro lens. 4. Try and find worker ants that lead back to a nest. For many invasive ant species, workers will go to mul2ple nests. 5. If dealing with Tropical fire ants, ensure adequate clothing is worn to protect from the formic acid spray and s2ngs. 6. If a single nest is found, treat it directly with an insec2cide spray. Dig up the nest if necessary to ensure no workers or brood (eggs, larvae, pupae) escape or survive. 7. Contact an ant expert to confirm the invasive ant species ID. Request a Technical Advisory Group is set up to assist. 8. Inform the residents that invasive ants have been found. 9. Find out from residents what was moved to or from the area, and when? 10. Find out if the workers of the species consume sugars or proteins, or both. Use the Pacific Invasive Ant Toolkit, ant guides and Landcare Research/Biosecurity NZ factsheets. 11. place out poqles at 5m spacings around the area of the detec2on. Mark each poqle with a large bamboo skewer or something similar. For very small ants, such as the bi-coloured trailing ant, the spacing should be every 2m. For large, fast and ac2ve ants, such as yellow crazy ants the poqles can be spaced 10m apart. Use the poqle monitoring method for surveillance, in sec2on 12.2.1. For ant species with workers who eat sugars use a sugar solu2on and coqon wool in the poqles. This is to help find the boundaries of the infesta2on. Do not use sunscreen or any other chemical lo2ons before handling poqles. 12. For ant species that feed exclusively on protein the same method can be used (as in 10), replacing the sugar solu2on for a blended sausage meat mix. 13. Leave the poqles out for 6-12 hours before collec2ng then mark the loca2on of every poqle found with the invasive ants. 14. If a detec2on is found on the edge of the poqle grid, repeat the poqle monitoring to the edge of the grid. 15. If only a few poqles are found with the invasive ant, try and track the workers back to the nest/s and repeat step 5. 16. Once the extent of the infesta2on is known, treat the area with Vanquish Pro Ant bait in poqles (~2ml in each poqle) on a grid every 2m across the ground. Confirm with an expert that Vanquish is suitable. Leave the poqles out for 3-4 days. Ensure poqles do not enter the seawater. Wash out poqles well away from the sea or fresh water sources. 17. If Vanquish Pro Ant Bait is not available use a contact insec2cide spray, making sure any spray does not come into contact with the water. Ensure the en2re nest areas are dug up or accessed so that the spray can kill all queens, eggs and larvae. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 49 18. Check all areas where items have been moved to and repeat steps 5-17. 19. Check the area again weekly, both visually and by bashing the ground with a stout s2ck to see if any ants erupt from the ground. If any other ants are detected repeat the process. 20. If mul2ple nests are found, at mul2ple sites, the Biosecurity Officer will require the support of other residents to support the ant response. 21. The response can be transferred into the ongoing surveillance programme aper the invasive ants have not been detected for three months. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 50 16 Biosecurity for Emergencies Within the Cook Islands Emergency Management is a func2on of the Police (Police Act 2012). The Ministry of Health may also be involved. Biosecurity ac2ons should not interfere with people and or agencies managing emergencies situa2ons. These situa2ons could include medical evacua2ons, disease, or disaster relief from cyclones to tsunami. The best 2mes to influence biosecurity in emergency situa2ons is before and aper the events. By having agencies that are conscious of invasive species, and have built in prac2ces that minimise risk, such as regular inspec2ons or on-board pest control on ships, the likelihood of moving pests during an emergency is reduced. Agencies such as the Police could be encouraged to obtain a Pest-Free Warrant for the Police vessel. Interna2onal vessels with exis2ng biosecurity cer2fica2on should be used if possible for emergencies, if interna2onal help is required. Good rela2onships between agencies are essen2al. An Animal Health Emergency Response Plan for the Cook Islands already exists. This is an emergency response plan as part of Na2onal Disaster Risk Management Arrangements. The plan is focused on animal health includes inves2ga2ng the extent, quaran2ne, iden2fy the source and assessing the ability to eradicate. Aper an emergency event it will be important that Biosecurity staff on each island obtain clear details of what has occurred and what goods or machinery was moved between islands and to where on the various islands? From this informa2on a decision can be made about the likelihood of invasive pests being moved, and if addi2onal surveillance or poten2ally if an incursion response is required. Aper the event the biosecurity ac2ons that were needed should be debriefed with Police and other agencies involved. Section ACTION WHO WHEN 16 Develop good rela2onships with Police and Ministry of Health regarding emergencies. Secretary of Agriculture, Director and staff of Biosecurity 2023/2024 16 Gather informa2on about what has occurred during an emergency. Biosecurity officers When event occurs 16 Decide if further surveillance is required. Director - Biosecurity Within 7 days of emergency. 16 Debrief biosecurity requirements for emergencies with Police and agencies involved. Secretary of Agriculture, Director - Biosecurity Aper events occur BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 51 17 Bibliography Annon. 2019. Kaveinga Paruru a te kuki Airani no te au tu Ka1ri Kikino 2019 – 2025. Cook Islands Invasive Species Strategy and Ac2on Plan 2019 – 2025. Auckland Council 2019. Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan 2019-2029. Basseq I.E., Cook J., Buchanan F. & Russell J.C. 2016. Treasure Islands: Biosecurity in the Haruaki Gulf Marine Park. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 40(2): 250-266. Boudjelas S., Pierce R., Cranwell S. 2014. Biosecurity Ac2on Plan for Suwarrow Na2onal Park, Cook Islands. Clapperton B.K. 2006. A review of the current knowledge of rodent behaviour in rela2on to control devices. Science for Conserva1on 263. Department of Conserva2on. Wellington. 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Department of Conserva2on Wellington. Holloran P. 2006. Measuring performance of invasive eradica2on efforts in New Zealand. New Zealand Plant Protec1on 59:1-7. Howald G., Donlan C.J., Galván J.P., Russell J.C., Parkes J., Samaniego A., Wang Y., Veitch D., Genovesi P., Pascal M., Saunders A., Tershy B. 2007. Invasive rodent eradica2on on islands. Conserva1on Biology 21: 1258−1268. Johnson J. 2016. Proceedings of the 9th Australasian Soilborne Diseases Symposium. Editor, RE Falloon. ISBN 978-0-473-37524-9 Keiq B., Campbell K., Saunders A., Clout M., Wang Y.W., Tershy B. 2011. The global islands invasive vertebrate eradica2on database: a tool to improve and facilitate restora2on of island ecosystems. In: Veitch C.R., Clout M.N., Towns D.R. eds Island invasives: eradica2on and management. Gland, Switzerland and Auckland, New Zealand, IUCN. Pp. 74–77. Key Industries. 2016. Ant ID Guide. 25p. Key Industries. 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BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 53 Appendices Appendix 1: Invasive species lists Invasive terrestrial species listed as present from the Cook Islands Biodiversity Database. These records are recognised as being incomplete. Any records of species not in these lists should be sent to the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust , ideally with photographs. Species that only occur on a single island, either Palmerston or one of the Northern Group islands, are shown in bold text. Note all the islands except Suwarrow have chickens, pigs and cats. These are considered as domes2c animals and not listed as invasive species here. Palmerston Island invasive species Invasive species from Cook Islands Biodiversity Database. Animals Ants A crazy ant Nylanderia vaga Ant For Plagiolepsis alluaudi Ant Cardiocondyla emeryi Ant For Plagiolepsis alluaudi Honey ant Dol Iridomyrmex anceps Weaver ant Tetramorium bicarinatum Harvester-ant Pheidole oceanica Cockroach American cockroach Periplaneta americana mammal Pacific ratξ RaUus exulans Ship ratξ RaUus raUus Mosquito Polynesian mosquito Aedes polynesiensis Moth Coconut flat moth Agonoxena argaula Plants Beggars 2ck Bidens pilosa Billygoat weed Ageratum conyzoides Blue Rat's-tail Stachytarpheta cayennensis Broom weed Sida rhombifolia Burr grass Cenchrus echinatus Cassytha Cassytha filiformis Common guava Psidium guajava Hairy spurge Euphorbia hirta Java sedge Cyperus javanicus Mexican fire-plant Euphorbia cyathophora Rubber tree Ficus elas1ca Sensi2ve weed Mimosa pudica Small-flower nightshade Solanum nodiflorum Surinam Cherry Eugenia uniflora T-grass Paspalum conjugatum Tree hibiscus Hibiscus 1liaceus Willow primrose Ludwigia octovalvis Wire grass Eleusine indica Residents also say that Asian paper wasps are on the island. ξ = subject to an eradica2on aqempt BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 54 Suwarrow invasive species Invasive species from Cook Islands Biodiversity Database. Animals Mammal Pacific rat Ra<us exulans6 Scorpion Black scorpion Liocheles australasiae Termite Coconut termite Neotermes rainbowi Wasp Yellow paper wasp Polistes olivaceus Plants Biqer phyllanthus Phyllanthus amarus Chaff-flower Weed Achyranthes aspera Hairy spurge Euphorbia hirta Tree hibiscus Hibiscus 1liaceus Purple-flower love-grass Eragros1s tenella Weedy pigweed Portulaca oleracea Wild Cape gooseberry Physalis angulata Nassau invasive species Invasive species from Cook Islands Biodiversity Database. Animal Mosquito Polynesian mosquito Aedes polynesiensis Termite Coconut termite Neotermes rainbowi Plant Ar2llery plant Pilea microphylla Biqer Phyllanthus Phyllanthus amarus Burr grass Cenchrus echinatus Cassytha Cassytha filiformis Emilia Emilia sonchifolia Java sedge Cyperus javanicus Liqle ironweed Cyanthillium cinereum Samoan sword fern Nephrolepis saligna Tree hibiscus Hibiscus 1liaceus Willow primrose Ludwigia octovalvis Wire grass Eleusine indica 6 Ra<us exulans may have been eradicated. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 55 Pukapuka invasive species Invasive species from Cook Islands Biodiversity Database Animal Ant A crazy ant Nylanderia vaga Ant Cardiocondyla nuda Bicolored trailing ant Monomorium floricola Big headed ant Pheidole megacephala Carpenter ant Camponotus chloroAcus Longhorned crazy ant Paratrechina longicornis Robust crazy ant Nylanderia bourbonica Weaver ant Tetramorium bicarinatum Woolly ant Tetramorium lanuginosum Dark-head ghost-ant Dol Tapinoma melanocephalum Harvester-ant Pheidole oceanica Beetle Corn-sap Beetle Carpophilus dimidiatus Oedemerid Beetles Eobia bicolor Sessinia livida Cockroach American cockroach Periplaneta americana Surinam Cockroach Pycnoscelus surinamensis Fly Latrine blowfly Chrysomya megacephala Gecko Mournful Gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris Oceanic gecko Gehyra oceanica Mammal Pacific rat RaUus exulans Mosquito Polynesian mosquito Aedes polynesiensis Moths Caster oil moth an EREBIDAE Achaea janata Coconut spiked moth Tirathaba rufivena Diamondback moth Plutella xylostella Grass Armyworm Spodoptera mauriAa Potato moth Stoeberhinus testaceus Tineid Moth Trachycentra sp. PK32 Tropical armyworm Spodoptera litura White-brow Hawkmoth Gnathothlibus erotus Scorpion Black scorpion7 Liocheles australasiae Termite Coconut termite Neotermes rainbowi Wasp A burrowing wasp Pison sp. MK1 Keyhole wasp Pachodynerus nasidens Bug, thrip, aphid, scale. Grey Sugarcane Mealybug Dysmicoccus boninsis Nigra Scale ParasaisseAa nigra Silverleaf whitefly Bemisia argenAfolii Spiralling whitefly Aleurodicus dispersus Taro Planthopper Tarophagus proserpina Fresh water Fish Shor^in molly Poecilia mexicana hybrids Tilapia Oreochromis massambicus Marine Starfish Crown of thorns Acanthaster planci 7 Probably na3ve but unwanted elsewhere BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 56 Plant Ar7llery plant Pilea microphylla Beach pea Vigna marina Beggars 2ck Bidens pilosa Biqer phllanthus Phyllanthus amarus Blue Rat's-tail Stachytarpheta cayennensis Burr grass Cenchrus echinatus Cassytha Cassytha filiformis Common guava Psidium guajava Creeping spurge Euphorbia prostata Hairy spurge Euphorbia hirta Java sedge Cyperus javanicus Liqle ironweed Cyanthillium cinereum Sensi2ve weed Mimosa pudica Sessile joyweed Alternanthera sessilis Short-flower sida Sida acuta Sporobolus Pyramidalis Sporobolus pyramidalis Torulinium Sedge Torulinium odoratum Tree hibiscus Hibiscus 1liaceus Weedy pigweed Portulaca oleracea Wild Cape gooseberry Physalis angulata Willow primrose Ludwigia octovalvis Wire grass Eleusine indica Manihiki invasive species Invasive species from Cook Islands Biodiversity Database. Animals Mosquitos Dengue Mosquito Aedes aegypA Polynesian mosquito Aedes polynesiensis Marine Starfish Crown of thorns Acanthaster planci Plants African Tulip-tree Spathodea campanulata Ar2llary plant Pilea microphylla Beach pea Vigna marina Beggars 2ck Bidens pilosa Bermuda Grass Cynodon dactylon Biqer phyllanthus Phyllanthus amarus Blue Rat's-tail Stachytarpheta cayennensis Broom weed Sida rhombifolia Burr grass Cenchrus echinatus Cassytha Cassytha filiformis Coffee senna Senna occidentalis Commelina Commelina diffusa Common guava Psidium guajava Creeping spurge Euphorbia prostata Hairy spurge Euphorbia hirta Java sedge Cyperus javanicus Liqle ironweed Cyanthillium cinereum Oyster lily Tradescan1a spathacea Red Clerodendrum Clerodendrum speciosissimum BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 57 Red Strawberry-guava Psidium caUleianum Rubber tree Ficus elas1ca Sporobolus Pyramidalis Sporobolus pyramidalis Surinam Cherry Eugenia uniflora Tree hibiscus Hibiscus 1liaceus Weedy pigweed Portulaca oleracea Willow primrose Ludwigia octovalvis Wire grass Eleusine indica In addi2on to the species noted in the database, Biosecurity staff on Manihiki have also stated that Pacific rats, mice, American cockroaches, carpenter ants, and grey sugarcane mealybug, are also present. Rakahanga invasive species Invasive species from Cook Islands Biodiversity Database. Animals mosquito Polynesian mosquito Aedes polynesiensis Fresh water fish Tilapia Oreochromis massambicus Plants Beach pea Vigna marina Beggars 2ck Bidens pilosa Biqer Phyllanthus Phyllanthus amarus Broom weed Sida rhombifolia Burr grass Cenchrus echinatus Cassytha Cassytha filiformis Common guava Psidium guajava Creeping spurge Euphorbia prostata Emilia Emilia sonchifolia Hairy spurge Euphorbia hirta Java sedge Cyperus javanicus Liqle ironweed Cyanthillium cinereum Nordeweed Synedrella nodiflora Oyster lily Tradescan1a spathacea Small-flower nightshade Solanum nodiflorum T-grass Paspalum conjugatum Tree hibiscus Hibiscus 1liaceus Weedy pigweed Portulaca oleracea Willow primrose Ludwigia octovalvis Wire grass Eleusine indica BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 58 Penrhyn (Tongareva) invasive species Invasive species from Cook Islands Biodiversity Database. Animals mammal House mouse Mus musculus Pacific rat RaUus exulans Ship rat RaUus raUus mosquito Polynesian mosquito Aedes polynesiensis Marine starfish Crown of thorns Acanthaster planci Plants Benjamin fig Ficus benjamina Broom weed Sida rhombifolia Burr grass Cenchrus echinatus Common guava Psidium guajava Puncture weed Tribulus cistoides Spanish clover Desmodium incanum In addi2on to the species noted above from the database, Biosecurity staff on Penrhyn indicate that whitefly, latrine blowfly and sensi2ve weed are also present. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 59 Appendix 2: Invasive species factsheet links Yellow Crazy Ant factsheet hqps://piat.org.nz/uploads/PIAT content/pdfs/yellow-crazy-ant-risk-assessment.pdf Tropical fire ant factsheet hqps://piat.org.nz/index.php?page=tropical-fire-ant Pharaoh ant factsheet hqps://piat.org.nz/index.php?page=pharaoh-ant Coconut termite factsheet hqp://coconutpests.org/pests-and-diseases-of-coconut/coconut-termite Coconut rhinoceros beetle hqp://coconutpests.org//pests-and-diseases-of-coconut/coconut-rhinoceros-beetle-oryctes Rat information Ship rats hqps://www.pestdetec2ve.org.nz/culprits/ship-rat/ Pacific rats hqps://www.pestdetec2ve.org.nz/culprits/kiore/ Mouse information hqps://www.pestdetec2ve.org.nz/culprits/mouse/ Lantana factsheet hqps://apps.lucidcentral.org/ppp v9/text/web full/en22es/lantana 434.htm Red passionfruit on Mauke report hqps://library.sprep.org/sites/default/files/control-red-passion-fruit-mauke-island.pdf Wedelia daisy factsheet hqps://apps.lucidcentral.org/ppp v9/text/web full/en22es/wedelia 447.htm BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 60 Appendix 3: Suggested protocol for moving live animals to Palmerston, Manihiki, Penrhyn and Suwarrow PHASE ACTION TIMEFRAME Planning/lead- in Person hoping to move animal/s should supply MoA and shipping company no2ce of an inten2on to move animals. Three weeks prior to movement MoA decides whether a vet needs to be involved. When no2fied MoA decides on quaran2ne periods pre-departure and on arrival. Within 7 days of no2fica2on. MoA, with the person moving animal/s, decides on a quaran2ne area on the des2na2on island. Within 7 days of no2fica2on. MoA decides if the movement will be allowed. Within 7 days of no2fica2on. MoA and the owner iden2fy a suitable quaran2ne area on the source property with no weeds. Make sure there can be no contact with other animals. Within 7 days of no2fica2on. The owner/mover must manage weeds if deemed necessary by MoA. 1-2 weeks before Quaran2ne. Pre-departure Quaran2ne Select only healthy-looking animals to be moved One week prior to moving. Quaran2ne the animals intended to be moved from other animals on the property, or adjacent proper2es, including wild animals. One week prior to moving. Treat the animals for internal parasites. 2-3 days before movement. Treat the animals for external parasites such as lice or 2cks 2-3 days before movement. Obtain an Internal Clearance Cer2ficate from MoA. Day before movement Owner/mover must clean the animals of dirt and seeds. Day of movement MoA inspect the animals prior to transport and, if deemed necessary by MoA. Day of movement Loading Provide the shipping company with a copy of the MoA Internal Clearance Cer2ficate prior to loading Day of movement Load animals, keeping separate from any other animals. Day of movement Unloading Ensure the quaran2ne area on the des2na2on island is secure. Prior to arrival Unload animals directly to the quaran2ne area. Burn faecal maqer and any bedding material used during the transport. Immediately aper unloading Arrival quaran2ne Keep animals in quaran2ne For 10 days Regularly inspect animals for signs of pests or disease. Burn faecal maqer and any bedding material used during quaran2ne. Un2l the end of quaran2ne Con2nue to check the quaran2ne area for weeds. For a minimum of 3 months BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 61 Appendix 4: Hypothetical Biosecurity Area Declaration DRAFT HYPOTHETICAL BIOSECURITY AREA DECLARATION FOR PALMERSTON ISLAND, SUWARROW NATIONAL PARK AND AVARUA PORT Palmerston Island and Suwarrow Na2onal Park are intended to be maintained with no rats or invasive ants and to avoid new pests or diseases arriving or establishing. Avarua is the primary port of departure for vessels going to Palmerston Island or Suwarrow Na2onal Park. Under sec2on 64 of the Biosecurity Act 2008 no2ce is hereby given by the Secretary, declaring Palmerston Island and Suwarrow Na2onal Park as Pest-free biosecurity controlled areas for the pests listed in schedule 1. Also under sec2on 64 of the Biosecurity Act the Secretary declares Avarua Port as a Pest-free biosecurity controlled area for the purpose of avoiding moving the pests listed in Schedule 1 out of Avarua Port and to either Palmerston Island or Suwarrow Na2onal Park. Under sec2ons 65 and 81 of the Biosecurity Act the Secretary hereby gives no2ce that vessels, and items listed in Schedule 2, are regulated for the purpose of avoiding moving the pests listed in Schedule 1 to either Palmerston Island or Suwarrow Na2onal Park. Any person that contravenes this declara2on may be subject to penal2es as defined in Sec2ons 94 the Biosecurity Act 2008: For an individual, a fine up to $10,000. For a body corporate, a fine up to $100,000. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 62 SCHEDULE 1: DECLARED PESTS THAT ARE ABSENT FROM PALMERSTON AND SUWARROW PALMERSTON ISLAND Brown rats RaUus norwegicus Coconut termite Neotermes rainbowi House mouse Mus musculus Polynesian rat RaUus exulans Ship rat RaUus raUus Yellow crazy ant Anaplolepis gracilipes SUWARROW NATIONAL PARK Brown rats RaUus norwegicus House mouse Mus musculus Polynesian rat RaUus exulans Ship rat RaUus raUus Yellow crazy ant Anaplolepis gracilipes BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 63 SCHEDULE 2: REGULATED ITEMS Vessels or CraJ Must be maintained free of the pests in Schedule 1, maintain pest control on the vessel and opera2onal areas, and not carry any of the items below contrary to the controls stated. Plants Must be bare-rooted or in a bio-secure root medium and inspected by a Biosecurity Officer or delegate. Soil, mulch or seedling mix Only fully sealed bags of soil, mulch or seedling mix, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, may be transported to Palmerston. Vehicles and or trailers must be made free of soil, washed, and be inspected by a Biosecurity Officer. A minimum of 72 hours must be given to the Ministry of Agriculture prior to loading. Heavy machinery such as loaders, tractors, diggers All machinery must be made free of soil, washed, and be inspected by a Biosecurity Officer. A minimum of 72 hours must be given to the Ministry of Agriculture prior to loading. Building and landscaping supplies Must be made free of soil, inspected for any pests, and where possible contained in a pest-proof container. Coconut plants, wood or fibre May not be moved to Palmerston Island. General goods Must be transported in a pest-proof containers. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 64 Appendix 5: Biosecurity resources Cook Islands Biodiversity database hqp://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/search.asp Pacific Invasives Ant Toolkit Website - hqps://piat.org.nz/ Case studies: hqps://piat.org.nz/index.php?page=management-case-studies Training: hqps://piat.org.nz/index.php?page=biosecurity-training-for-quaran2ne-officers Pacific Pests, Pathogens and Weeds Website - hqps://apps.lucidcentral.org/pppw v11/text/intro/index.html Or as an App via Google Play or the Apple store Pest Detective hqps://www.pestdetec2ve.org.nz/ Find A Pest Website - hqps://www.findapest.nz/ Or as an App via Google Play or the Apple store Global Invasives Species Database hqp://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/ Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) hqps://www.sprep.org/resources BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 65 Ant identification Ant iden2fica2on booklet guides have been provided to MoA courtesy of Key industries in Auckland. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 66 Appendix 6: Incursion Response kit ITEM DETAILS QUANTITY Biosecurity Plan Hard copy or electronic 1 Victor Professional rat traps Drill hole near corner for cord/cable. 50 Victor Professional mouse traps Drill hole near corner for cord/cable. 100 Wooden tracking tunnel covers for traps or tracking tunnels 600mm 40 Peanut buTer High grade peanut buqer 2kg Peanut oil As an alterna2ve lure. 2 ltr Chew card – core flute Cut core flute (100mm x 150mm) 200 Wax tags – Peanut buTer lure Keep chilled/cool 200 Black Trakka tracking cards Keep chilled or cool. 200 Rat bait sta7ons and keys Lockable, able to be aqached to a tree 45 Mouse bait sta7ons and keys E.g., Protecta RTU mouse bait sta2on 50 Pestoff rodent blocks Keep chilled or cool. 10kg buckets 2 buckets Wire for tracking tunnels To suspend Pestoff rodent blocks 60 DOC200 stainless traps In standard boxes. Plus sefng tool. 10 Spare mesh for DOC200 traps Cut to outside dimensions (~250x250mm) 20 75 gram weights For calibra2ng DOC 200 traps 2 Flagging tape 3 colours. At least 3 rolls of each colour 9 rolls PoTles for ant monitoring 30ml with lids. 200 CoTon wool balls Bags of 100-200 2 bags Macro lens aTachment For photography. 2 Jeweller’s loop For iden2fying ants 2 Set of georeferenced maps of each island/motu Hard copy or electronic. 1 Guide to the iden7fica7on of rodents Laminated copies plus electronic 4 Guide to the iden7fica7on of ants Laminated copies plus electronic 2 Snap-lock bags Variety of sized for samples. 4 packets DNA sampling kit For collec2on and preserva2on of samples 1 Waterproof notebooks A6 size 4 Marker pens For wri2ng on 4 Spare screws Stainless. 10g 60mm, 8g 25mm, #2 square head. Tek (hex) screws 50mm 50 of each. Screwdriver #2 square head and fifng for Tek screws 2 of each Nails 75mm galvanised 3 kg Hammers Claw hammers 3 Paint brushes 38mm and 50mm for cleaning traps 4 Insec7cide sprays and paste E.g., Kiwicare No Bugs indoor, No Bugs super bug bomb. Flyspray. BIOSECURITY PLAN FOR PALMERSTON, MANIHIKI AND PENRHYN ISLANDS OF THE COOK ISLANDS 67 Vanquish ant bait Ant poison. 325ml tubes (keep frozen and separate from food) and a caulking gun. 3