Cook Islands National Invasive Species Strategy And Action Plan 2019 - 2025

Cook Islands National Invasive Species Strategy And Action Plan 2019 - 2025 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD ....................................................................................................................................... 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................................. 5 KEY CONCEPTS AND ACRONYMS ............................................................................................... 7 1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 9 Introduction to Cook Islands ............................................................................................................ 9 What is an invasive species (IS)? ................................................................................................... 11 The vital importance of invasive species to Cook Islands ............................................................. 12 Other significant invasive species in the Cook Islands .................................................................. 14 Priority invasive species on different islands ................................................................................. 16 Invasive species intercepted at the Border ..................................................................................... 16 Recent occurrences of new invasive species in the Cook Islands .................................................. 18 Invasive species are everyone‟s responsibility .............................................................................. 21 Inter-island biosecurity .................................................................................................................. 22 International responsibilities .......................................................................................................... 22 Cook Island‟s native biodiversity at risk ........................................................................................ 22 Cook Island‟s productive sectors at risk ........................................................................................ 23 Why a NISSAP is needed .............................................................................................................. 24 Process of NISSAP development ................................................................................................... 26 Linkages of the NISSAP to other strategies................................................................................... 26 Invasive species in corporate plans ................................................................................................ 31 2. GUIDING PRINCIPLES ........................................................................................................... 32 3. GOAL, MISSION & THEMES ................................................................................................. 33 Goal: ............................................................................................................................................... 34 Mission: .......................................................................................................................................... 34 Themes: .......................................................................................................................................... 34 4. PATHWAY ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................... 35 4.1 International......................................................................................................................... 35 By Air ......................................................................................................................................... 35 By Sea ........................................................................................................................................ 36 Other External Pathways ............................................................................................................ 37 4.2 Internal Pathways ................................................................................................................ 38 By Air ......................................................................................................................................... 38 By Sea ........................................................................................................................................ 38 5. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................... 39 5.1 National ............................................................................................................................... 39 3 5.2 Regional............................................................................................................................... 44 6.0 PAST & CURRENT PROGRAMMES .................................................................................. 44 GEF-PAS Regional Invasive Project – Prevention, control and management of invasive alien species in the Pacific Islands .......................................................................................................... 44 Border Control & Quarantine ........................................................................................................ 44 Internal (inter-island) Border Control ............................................................................................ 45 Emergency Response ..................................................................................................................... 46 Eradication of Pest Vertebrates ...................................................................................................... 46 Control of Pest Vertebrates ............................................................................................................ 47 Control of Pest Invertebrates .......................................................................................................... 47 Control of Pest Plants ..................................................................................................................... 48 Management of Marine Invasives .................................................................................................. 50 Education and Awareness .............................................................................................................. 51 7.0 LEGISLATION & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS ................................................... 53 7.1 National Legislation ................................................................................................................. 53 7.2 Island Specific Regulations:..................................................................................................... 54 7.3 International Conventions & Agreements ............................................................................... 55 8.0 ACTION PLAN ...................................................................................................................... 57 A1.Generating Support ............................................................................................................. 57 A2. Building Capacity ................................................................................................................ 58 A3. Legislation, Policy and Protocols ....................................................................................... 59 B1. Baseline and Monitoring .................................................................................................... 60 B2. Prioritisation ....................................................................................................................... 61 B3. Research on priorities ......................................................................................................... 61 C1. Biosecurity ........................................................................................................................... 62 C2. Management of established invasive species ..................................................................... 64 C3. Restoration .......................................................................................................................... 65 9.0 MONITORING & EVALUATION ........................................................................................ 67 References ...................................................................................................................................... 69 Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ 71 Annex 1: Regional and international organisations and databases related to invasive species management. .................................................................................................................................. 72 Annex 2: Priority invasive species of Cook Islands ...................................................................... 74 Annex 3: Pa Enua detailed information by island .......................................................................... 76 Annex 4: Attendees at NISSAP development workshops ............................................................. 87 4 FOREWORD 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP) was developed during a collaborative process involving the many stakeholders who have roles to play in managing invasive species. It was prepared as one of the outputs of the GEF PAS project “Prevention, eradication and control of invasive alien species in the Pacific islands” which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and executed by Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in partnership with the National Environment Service. Introductory sections identify the vital importance of invasive species to the Cook Islands as potential threats to its economy, biodiversity and the health of her people, and describe the species of most impact. For example, mosquitoes that originated in Africa carry infectious diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus; climbing vines threaten native forests; and it cost over $250,000 to eradicate a fruit fly from Asia that threatened agricultural crops. There are also many very damaging invasive species within the region that have not yet reached the Cook Islands, and details of the vital role played by border control in intercepting some of these to prevent their establishment is outlined. While the threat posed by invasive species is great, and it is best to stop them reaching the country, there are many examples of successful ways to manage them. The NISSAP identifies programmes to eradicate rats and mynah birds, and to reduce the threats posed by pest plants and pest insects through biological control, bringing in their natural enemies from overseas in carefully researched programmes. The Strategy also identifies that many people play a role in invasive species management, from individual members of island communities, through to Government departments and NGO‟s. It sets out the legislation and policies in place to underpin the effort. The key part of the NISSAP is the Action Plan. This identifies priority actions for the next few years, together with indicators to measure their successful achievement and specification of who will be responsible for carrying them out and how they might be resourced. These actions can be fed into planning at national and organisational levels. Actions are grouped according to regional guidelines developed by SPREP. They begin with those that establish the necessary foundation, which includes raising awareness and education so that 6 everyone is aware of the importance of the issue and can help tackling it, and having the necessary capacity, policies and legislation in place. Secondly there are actions to identify the scope of the problem and the priorities, such as baseline surveys and research. Thirdly there are management actions including biosecurity and border control, surveillance, and a significant number of priority eradication and control programmes. The Strategy concludes with a section on how the progress of implementation will be monitored and evaluated. Addressing the actions in the Strategy in a coordinated effort will allow the Cook Islands to minimise the threat of invasive species to its natural environment, people and economy. 7 KEY CONCEPTS AND ACRONYMS Biocontrol or biological control: Controlling an invasive species by introducing a natural enemy, such as an insect or fungus, that specifically attacks the target species and does not attack other native or economically important species. Biodiversity: The variety of living organisms on the earth, including the variability within and between species and within and between ecosystems. Biosafety: describes the range of efforts to address the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology. Biosecurity: Preventing the spread of pests and diseases across international or internal borders. Control: Reducing the population of an invasive species. Eradication: removal of the entire population of an invasive species. Genetically modified organism: An organism whose genetic composition has been altered by the application of modern biotechnology techniques Introduced species: Plants, animals and other organisms taken beyond their natural range by people, deliberately or unintentionally. Invasive species: Introduced species that become destructive to the environment or human interests; can also include some native species that increase in number and become destructive following environmental changes. Native species: Plants, animals and other organisms that occur naturally on an island or in a specified area, having either evolved there or arrived without human intervention. Risk assessment: Evaluation of the risk that a new introduced species will become invasive with damaging consequences, prior to its introduction Surveillance: Monitoring to detect the arrival of new invasive species. 8 Acronyms ACIAR Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research BIO Biosecurity Service, Cook Islands CABI Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux International CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CIPA Cook Islands Ports Authority EDRR Early Detection and Rapid Response ERP Emergency Response Plan FAO UN Food & Agricultural Organisation GCF Green Climate Fund GEF-PAS IAS Global Environment Facility Pacific Alliance for Sustainability, United Nations Environment Programme: Prevention, Control and Management of Invasive Alien Species in the Pacific Islands GISD Global Invasive Species Database (maintained by ISSG) GISIN Global Invasive Species Information Network HPWRA Hawai`i-Pacific Ecosystems at Risk IBPoW Island Biodiversity Programme of Work IAS Invasive Alien Species IMO International Maritime Organisation IS Invasive Species ISSG Invasive Species Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of the IUCN IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency MMR Ministry of Marine Resources MOA Ministry of Agriculture MOE Ministry of Education MOH Ministry of Health MOT Ministry of Transport NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NES National Environment Service NHT Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust NISSAP National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan OMIA Office of the Minister for Island Administrations, Cook Islands OPM Office of the Prime Minister, Cook Islands PEARL Pa Enua Actions for Resilience and livelihood (Climate Change Adaptation Program) PestList (PLD) Pacific Islands PestList Database PIER Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk – for plant risk assessment information PII Pacific Invasives Initiative PILN Pacific Invasives Learning Network PIP Pacific Invasives Partnership PIRNC Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation Plant Pono Hawai`i-Pacific Ecosystems at Risk website for plant risk assessment information PoWPA Programme of Work on Protected Areas SPC Secretariat of the Pacific Commission SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme SRIC Southwest Research and Information Center SSC Species Survival Commission of IUCN TIS Te Ipukarea Society UNEP United Nations Environment Programme 9 1. INTRODUCTION Introduction to Cook Islands The Cook Islands consists of 15 small islands scattered over 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. They lie in the centre of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked by Fiji 2,300 km to the west, Tahiti 1,140 km to the east, Hawaii 4,730 km to the north and New Zealand 3,010 km to the southwest. The climate of the Cook Islands is sub-tropical and tropical oceanic moderated by trade winds. The islands form two groups: the Northern Cooks and the Southern Cooks. The Northern Group consists of five atolls (Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Manihiki, Suwarrow and Penrhyn), and a sand cay (Nassau). The Southern Group consists of four makatea islands (Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke and Mitiaro), two atolls (Palmerston and Manuae), one almost-atoll (Aitutaki), one sand cay (Takutea) and one high island (Rarotonga). Twelve of the islands are permanently settled, while the other three islands are wildlife reserves (Suwarrow, Takutea, and Manuae) (Figure 1) (Annex 3). About 70% of the population of approximately 20,000 live on the largest of the southern islands, Rarotonga. Rarotonga is the home of the Government and the National Administration. The other inhabited islands are administered together as the Pa Enua, allocated resources from the national budget based on formulas depending on their populations and the infrastructure and resources that they have to manage. Their communities are typically dominated by the very young, old or women. Photo: Rarotonga from the air. (The airport and main town of Avarua at top of picture). Source: Ministry of Agriculture PowerPoint Presentation. 10 The country‟s biodiversity is vital to its future. The primary sector (Agriculture, Fishing and Pearl Industries) made up 5.7% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2012 (Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, National Accounts). That year there was a 9.3% increasing in the Fishing and Pearl Industry and a continuing declining trend in the contribution from agriculture. The single biggest contribution to GDP is tourism, which significantly depends on the beauty of the country‟s land and sea environments and the native species within this. The native biodiversity of the different islands has been used by generations of Cook Islanders to sustain their culture. Its forests protect the land and store water, its coral reefs protect the coasts, and native species provide food, medicines, building materials, and firewood, and provide the country with its unique identity. The terrestrial native biodiversity of the Cook Islands has a relatively small number of species and lacks many of the common taxa found in larger islands and continental landmasses. For example there are no amphibians and only one land mammal (Pacific flying fox Pteropus tonganus). This means the species that are present assume greater significance and there are a number that are endemic – i.e. only found in the Cook Islands and nowhere else in the world: 20 flowering plants, six landbirds, 26 landsnails (14 of which are extinct), and a largely unknown number of invertebrates. 11 Figure 1: Map showing Cook Islands and its Exclusive Economic Zone (Source: 4 th National Report to the CBD). In the marine area, though there is some ecosystem diversity between the high islands in the south, with their shallow lagoons and fringing reefs, and atolls in the northern group with their large, deep lagoons encircled by coral reef, there is a limited number of ecosystems present overall. What is an invasive species (IS)? The clearest examples are species that have „invaded‟ the country from overseas, arriving by air or sea, then found their own way across the border, increasing in numbers because they have no natural enemies and causing significant damage to native biodiversity, the economy or human health. 12 There are also many examples of IS that people have brought in deliberately from overseas. Many such species have proved beneficial and provide the basis for agriculture, or provide flowers for gardens. However others have caused damages, like some climbing vines brought into the country because of their attractive flowers that have then spread to smother native forests. Some species brought in from overseas are considered invasive only in some situations. For example, pigs are very beneficial when farmed in controlled conditions, but they are damaging when they run wild, destroying plantations, changing the structure of native forests and acting as predators of native species such as coconut crabs. Wild or „feral‟ pigs and feral goats will thus appear in this strategy as invasive species on certain islands. Finally, some native species can become invasive and cause damage when something upsets the natural balance. Examples include the crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) which occasional builds up in number to the point that it damages coral reefs, and the native fruit fly (Bactrocera melanotus) which damages fruit and vegetable species brought into the country from overseas such as dragon fruit and orange varieties. The vital importance of invasive species to Cook Islands Invasive species (IS) currently have impacts on Cook Islands‟ economy, biodiversity, and human health and culture. They have been recognised as a high risk of creating a major emergency or national disaster in the country (Government of Cook Islands 2009). In biodiversity terms, IS have been identified as the biggest threat to the country‟s flora, and invasive plants are destroying habitat for native birds such as the Kakerori or Rarotonga Flycatcher (Pomarea dimidiata), the I‟oi or Rarotonga starling (Aplonis cinerascens) and the Kuramoo or Blue Lorikeet (Vini peruviana), and endemic landsnails (National Environment Service 2011). Rats (Rattus rattus) continue to threaten the Kakerori through predation and Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis) are a threat to other native birds through disturbance and competition. In economic terms, the Cook Islands has fortunately not suffered the dramatic impacts from IS that other countries in the region have. There are a range of introduced pest insects and diseases that affect food crops grown in the country, but the impacts of these are largely felt by individual farmers and families as reduced productivity or increased costs of production, as there are currently no significant export programmes. 13 There are suggestions that the temporary collapse of the pearl industry on Manihiki may have involved invasive species that arrived on technical equipment from overseas. However analysis identified increases of naturally occurring bacteria (Vibrio sp.) following a long period of calm weather and some overstocking of the lagoon as the main causes (Diggles et al. 2007). In 2007 the pearl and pearl shell industry contributed US $2.2 million to the Cook Islands economy (FAO 2010), so it is important to prevent invasive species impacting on it in the future.. The most obvious invasive species impacting on human health are the mosquitoes (Aedes spp.) that carry infectious diseases such as dengue fever, Zika fever and chikungunya. The most harmful species Aedes aegypti which lives near human habitation and feeds exclusively on human blood (McCormack 2007) originated in Africa. The virus causing chikungunya is an invasive species itself which was also first detected in Africa, in Tanzania in 1952 (Pan American Health Organisation http://www.paho.org/. A recent outbreak with 15 cases in 2014 and 770 in 2015 ran over a 38-week period, largely on Rarotonga with cases on 6 other islands (Health Department Update report 11/11/15). Information on the disease (for which there is no vaccine) was made available to tourists and it is not known if this has caused some to change their plans to visit. There was a Zika fever outbreak in 2014 that ran for about 16 weeks with over 850 cases on Rarotonga and a few on four other islands (Health Department 2014 Zika Outbreak Summary Report). The arrival of a pest insect, the Cuban laurel thrip (Gynaikothrips ficicorum) in 2009, provides an example of an invasive species that had wide impacts on many aspects of peoples‟ lives on Rarotonga. They took the island „by storm‟, swarming over brightly-coloured t-shirts, covering arms and faces, and most people who regularly drove motorbikes experienced the pain of a thrip in the eye (Poeschko 2010). This insect was attracted to bright colours, covering the newly-painted fire-truck at the airport, coating tennis balls, and may even have affected the results of sports games by swarming more over the shirts of one team and not the other! The thrip attacked tomato plants and Benjamin fig trees, popular shade trees. Another species, the red-banded thrip (Selenothrips rubrocinctus) landed on Rarotonga around the same time as its Cuban cousin causing severe damage to avocado, guava and Terminalia trees. The Cuban laurel thrip is currently largely under control following the introduction of a predatory bug as a biocontrol agent. The Coconut flat moth (Agonoxena argaula) arrived in Rarotonga in October 2000, apparently through an illegal importation of palms. An awareness campaign was established urging the public not to take any coconut and ornamental palms, including parts of palms such as leaves, nuts, and 14 trunks, from the infested area, and but the moth spread rapidly to Aitutaki, Atiu, Mauke, Mangaia, Palmerston, Mitiaro by November 2003. A parasitic wasp (Bracon sp.) was introduced from Fiji and has successfully reduced the impact of the moth. Photos: Coconut flat moth & parasitic wasp introduced as biocontrol (Maja Poeschko photos). There are many examples from other island countries of invasive species that have had devastating and very costly consequences. The brown tree snake is thought to have caused the extinction of 10 native landbird species on Guam leaving only two (Rodda & Savige 2007). The taro leaf blight reduced annual export returns for this crop in Samoa from around WS$10 million to c.WS$150,000 (US$60,000) over a couple of years (Hunter et al. 1998). The yellow-crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) has killed an estimated 10-15 million of the famous red crabs on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean in recent years (O‟Dowd et al. 2003). The little fire ant (Wassmania auropunctata has been described as „perhaps the greatest ant species threat in the Pacific region‟ (GISD 2014) and is found on three island groups in Vanuatu, for example, where it occupies gardens and homes in large numbers frequently stinging the residents and making crop growing very difficult. Other significant invasive species in the Cook Islands Climbing vines particularly Merremia peltata (morning glory), M. tuberose (wood rose) and Mikania micrantha (mile-a-minute) create major problems for farmers trying to keep land open for plantations, and together with balloon vine (Cardiospermum grandiflorum) smother native forests, particularly on Rarotonga. A rust fungus (Puccinia spegazzinii) has recently been introduced as a biological control for Mikania micrantha in a programme involving the Cook Islands Ministry of Agriculture, New Zealand‟s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Landcare Research. 15 Invasive ants have been implicated in the declines and extinctions of landsnails on Rarotonga (Brook 2006). The big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala), first collected in Rarotonga in 1914, is a major threat to biodiversity through its impacts on native invertebrates, and to agriculture through harvesting seeds and increasing the numbers of crop-damaging sap-sucking insects. The yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes), first collected in Rarotonga in 1937, will also impact on native invertebrates including land crabs as in the Christmas Island example, though it does not appear widespread. The glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) (Homalodisca vitripennis) was discovered in Rarotonga in March 2007 by the country‟s entomologist Dr Maja Poeschko. Following its discovery, about 1.5 km from the International Airport, the insect spread relatively quickly to adjacent areas. It was suspected that the pest entered the Cook Islands via ornamental plants from Tahiti, where it was first detected in 1999. The significance of the GWSS is that it can carry the plant bacterium Xylella fastidiosa which causes a disease of economic significance to grapes, citrus and peaches. Biosecurity New Zealand undertook tests to determine if this bacterium was present in the Cook Islands for fear of its possible impact on the wine industry in New Zealand. An introduced biocontrol agent, a parasitic wasp is keeping the GWSS population under control. There are two fruit flies in the Cook Islands that are threats to fruit and vegetable production: Bactrocera melanotus an endemic native species and B. xanthodes which is found in several other Pacific countries. Control involves removing ripe fruit and unwanted fruit trees and the use of traps and poison baits (NES 2004). A monitoring programme using traps is maintained to detect the arrival of other potentially more damaging species, in a regional programme coordinated by Secretariat of the Pacific Commission (SPC). This resulted in the detection and subsequent eradication of nine Queensland fruit flies B. tryoni between 2001 and 2003 (NESAF). A further species the Oriental fruit fly, the most destructive species of fruit and vegetable infesting flies in the world, was found in Rarotonga and Aitutaki in May 2013 and it too was successfully eradicated in a major programme by the Ministry of Agriculture by September 2014. As an example of the economic impact of an invasive species, this eradication programme cost over $246,000 (Cook Islands Government $110,000, SPC $80,000, New Zealand Government $35,000 and Aitutaki Island Council $21,000) together with the services of three technical experts from SPC and three entomologists from New Zealand. There is very limited information on marine invasives. One example is the native crown-of–thorns starfish (Acanthaster plancii) that feeds on corals which undergoes periodic outbreaks. 16 The Indian mynah (Acridotheres tristis) is found on five islands where it feeds on some food crops and interferes with the nesting of some native birds. A major eradication programme is close to completion on Atiu to protect the Rimatara lorikeet (Vini kuhlii) re-introduced there in 2007 and kakerori introduced in 2001/02. Two mammals brought into the country for farming, goats and pigs, are causing problems on several islands where animals are roaming widely outside farm situations, destroying native biodiversity and plantations. In 2004 the IUCN produced an updated publication of a selection of „100 of the World‟s Worst Invasive Species‟ (Lowe et al. 2004). Cook Islands has 19 1 of the species on this list, but there are a vast number more out there ready to invade if Cook Islands does not maintain strong border control. Priority invasive species on different islands Communities have identified the pests that they consider priorities on the different islands on two occasions. The first was during the development of the country‟s first National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in 2001 and the results are included in section 5.2 (Government of Cook Islands 2002). The second was during the process of formulating this NBSAP during workshops in Rarotonga attended by representatives of the southern group and through a questionnaire circulated to all islands. The results are summarised in Annex 3. Invasive species intercepted at the Border The ever-present threat that invasive species pose is demonstrated by the significant number that have been intercepted by biosecurity staff at the airport, seaport or in the post, or by other individuals who reported them before they had a chance to disperse widely (Table 1). Additionally, a cane toad, a very damaging pest, was recorded in 1986 prior to the period covered by the table. 1 African tulip tree, black wattle, giant reed, lantana, leucaena, mile-a-minute, shoebutton ardisia, strawberry guava, wedelia, big-headed ant, yellow crazy ant, Mozambique tilapia, western mosquitofish, Indian myna, feral cat, feral goat, mouse, feral pig, ship rat. Table 1: Interceptions of invasive species at ports of entry in the Cook Islands since 2000 (Source: Maja Poeschko, MOA). No. Date found Month/Year Common name Scientific name Host(s)- Damage Action taken & Current status 1 March 2006 Currant lettuce aphid Nasonavia ribis-nigri On imported iceberg lettuce from New Zealand still in boxes Lettuce confiscated and destroyed by incineration. Areas where boxes had been stored sprayed with insecticide. No further find. 2 May 2006 Grass Not further identified Seeds on traditional grass- brooms from China imported with building material in a sea freight container Conducted viability test, seeds germinated, brooms confiscated and destroyed by incinerating, thorough cleaning of container, monitoring programme for germinating seeds in the area. No further find. 3 Oct. 2005 Giant African Snail Achatina fulica Serious pest in food crop and flower gardens. Seven live snails found inside a luggage container of an Air New Zealand air craft. Container was from Samoa which was sitting on grass area of airport for a week before used for freight. In 1992 there were three interceptions of Giant African Snail on sea freight containers. One detected specimen was crushed upon arrival. Snail baiting programme, public awareness and monitoring programme, night searches. No further find. 4 June 2006 Snails Not further identified Four live snails found inside a sea freight container with natural roof thatching from Fiji Snail baiting programme, public awareness and monitoring programme. No further find. 5 June 2007 Red-back spider Latrodectus hasseltii Adult female spider guarding two egg sacs found on the outside of a sea freight container from New Zealand. Bite can cause serious poisoning Application of surface pesticide Icon, public awareness and monitoring programme. No further find. 6 Jan. 2005 Rhinoceros beetle Oryctes rhinoceros Weak but alive adult female found in an overhead locker of an Air New Zealand air craft. Serious pest of coconut trees Public awareness. Note: Coconut trees showing suspicious rhinoceros beetle-like damage in Aug. 2002 (Takitumu) in May 2006 (Muri) and Feb. 2007 (Penrhyn) triggered a pheromone trapping programme. No beetles were found. 7 Feb. 2007 x 2 Nov.2007 Brown garden snail Cornu aspersum ? Up to 28 snails were found on three occasions on the outside of sea freight containers ex New Zealand. Snail baiting programme, public awareness and monitoring programme. No further find. 8 May 2006 Cogon Grass Serious invasive weed. Grass imported from Import of cogon grass was found to be outlawed in bio 18 Imperata cylindrica Bali as roof thatching in sea freight containers. Risk of contamination with viable seeds security regulations. The recommendation of reshipping or destruction was overruled by the Ministry‟s Secretary. The consignment was released. 9 Jan 2011 Flies Not further identified A large population of flies developed inside a sea freight container feeding on exposed canned fish The contaminated cans were destroyed. The container was fumigated with an insecticide. 10 2014 Brown widow spider One found at freight warehouse at Rarotonga airport – reported by freight staff Spraying program initiated around warehouse and neighbouring buildings. Spraying continued towards the Are Pa Metua building, a distance of 200m. All importers‟ facilities in the Avarua district e.g. Pickering Motors & CITC Warehouse were sprayed including their vehicles. Spraying was also carried out in Atiu, Aitutaki and Mitiaro. The programme was not continued as the spider was found to be widespread and not very harmful. Recent occurrences of new invasive species in the Cook Islands Table 2 identifies invasive species that have recently crossed the border, some of which are now established in the country to varying extents. Again they emphasise the scale of the threat posed by such species. Table 2: New pest occurrences for the Cook Islands since October 2000 (Source: Maja Poeschko, MOA). No. Date discovered Month/Year Common name Scientific name Origin Host(s)- Damage Action taken & Current status 1 Oct. 2000 Coconut flat moth Agonoxena argaula Ex Fiji? Coconut palms & ornamental palms Caterpillars feed on leaves causing severe damage Introduction and breeding of the parasitic wasp (Bracon sp.) from Fiji successful 2 Oct. 2000 Orchid weevil Orchidophilus aterrimus Ex Fiji? Orchids- Weevil larvae and adults feed on orchid flowers, stems, leaves and exposed roots Attempted of eradication failed. Pest reported to be present at different locations a few years later 3 Nov. 2001 Queensland fruit fly Larvae feed on over 100 species of edible and Detection in surveillance trap: Attempted eradication: 19 Bactrocera tryoni Ex Tahiti? wild fruits and fleshy vegetables Intensive trapping, destruction of fallen fruits, distribution of Bactromat pheromone baits, protein bait spraying. Traps sent to Pa Enua, not present on these islands. Eradication on Rarotonga successful due to early detection. 4 Dec. 2003 Hibiscus flower beetle Aethina concolor Adult beetles lay eggs into flower buds which causes them to drop Pest widespread. Eradication not feasible. Remains a major pest. Control with systemic insecticides. 5 April 2004 Papaya ring spot virus PRSV-P Mutation of PRSV-W of intercropped cucurbits Yellowing and distortion of leaves, dark green target like ring spots and C-shaped markings on fruits Attempted eradication: Plant destroyed by incineration, systemic herbicide poured into remaining plant stump, area sprayed with insecticide to kill possible insect vectors, monitoring programme and two island wide virus surveys. No further find. Eradication successful. 6 April 2005 Wax moth Not further identified Caterpillars feed on bee hives Pest not considered to be serious by beekeeper. No further action taken 7 July 2006 False armoured scale Conchaspis angraeci On stems of papaya- mainly found on abundant plots with mature trees all over the island Beneficial ladybird beetles (Chilocorus circumdatus) were found feeding and breeding amongst the pest. No further action taken. 8 Nov. 2006 False oleander scale Pseudaulacapsis cockerelli Ex Australia On leaves and stems of imported crafted mangos from Australia planted in Matavera and Titikaveka Attempted eradication: Trees pulled and destroyed by incineration, area sprayed with insecticide, monitoring programme. No further find. Eradication successful. 9 March 2007 Glassy-winged sharpshooter Homalodisca vitripennis Ex Tahiti? Many plants, with preference for citrus and gardenias Severe sap feeder; Trapping monitoring programme, attempted eradication with insecticides not successful, bio-agent from Tahiti was successful 10 Dec. 2007 Red-banded mango caterpillar Dennolis sublinbalis (new) Noorda albizondalis (old) Caterpillars bore into mango fruit and seeds Pheromone trapping not very effective, Population fluctuates from season to season 11 July 2008 Greenhouse thrips Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis Avocado Tree and surrounding area sprayed with Imidacloprid, no further find, eradicated? 12 Aug. 2009 Black twig borer Xylosandrus compactus Avocado Beetle burrows in fresh stems of crafted plants On imported grafted seedlings from NZ, plants re dipped in insecticides and monitored. Beetle reported to be present and a nursery pest in 2012 20 Ex New Zealand 13 Nov. 2009 Banana-shaped scale Slender soft scale Prococcus acutissimus Severe infestation on lychee leaves causing sooty mould. On sago palm (Aug. 2010) Widespread. Natural enemies present 14 Nov. 2009 Cuban laurel thrips Gynaicothrips ficorum Severe damage on young leaves, particularly Ficus benjamina; swarming, nuisance for people, attracted to bright colours, bites, painful when caught in eye Bio-agent introduced from Hawaii in Dec 2010 15 Nov. 2009 Red-banded thrips Selenothrips rubrocinctus Guava, Avocado, Terminalia, Copperleaf Severe damage, causing browning-silvering of leaves and fruits Natural enemies present. Still severe damage observed in 2012 16 Nov. 2009 Trilobite scale Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis Desert rose Severe damage on leaves, Stunted growth without flowers Widespread. Remains major pest despite natural enemies present 17 Aug. 2011 Caterpillar Not further identified Caterpillar bores into star apple fruit Rearing of caterpillars to adult stage for easier ID failed, Setting up of yellow sticky traps, monitoring 18 Nov. 2012 Caterpillar Not further identified Caterpillar bores into strawberry fruit Rearing of caterpillars to adult stage for easier ID failed, Setting up of yellow sticky traps, monitoring 19 May 2013 Oriental Fruitfly Bactrocera Dorsalis Host on 170 fruits and vegetables. Detected in surveillance traps. Eradication initiated with intensive trapping, destruction of fallen fruits, distribution of Bactromat pheromone baits, protein bait spraying. Traps sent to Pa Enua and were present on Aitutaki. Eradication successful on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. There are major threats present in neighbouring countries with which the Cook Islands trades. Several recent arrivals of invasive species appear to have come from French Polynesia including the glassy-winged sharpshooter and Queensland and Oriental fruit flies. This country also holds giant African snails, little fire ant and a variety of plant pests. Other species of particular concern are:  Banana bunchy top virus – Samoa, Fiji, Tonga  Taro leaf blight - Samoa, American Samoa, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Hawaii  Taro beetle - Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu  Banana scab moth – Australia, Solomon Islands, American Samoa, Samoa, others. Space & Flynn (2002) identified 28 weed species that they considered priorities to keep out of the country. Indications are that they have been successfully excluded to date. They put a particular emphasis on Miconia calvescens found in French Polynesia and Hawaii because of its potential devastating impact. They also provided separate lists for Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro and the Northern Group of invasive and potentially invasive plants found on other islands but not on these. Invasive species are everyone’s responsibility The movements of people, and their goods and supplies, are the key pathways that invasive species take to reach a country, or move from island to island within it. So the behaviour of individuals is the key to their management. There is a need to avoid bringing „at risk‟ goods into the country (fruit, plant material including seeds, soil (even on boots), etc.). If you see a plant overseas that you would like to grow in Cook Islands, identify it, and then request an import permit through Biosecurity Service first. They will do a „risk assessment‟ to decide if it is safe to import into the Cook Islands. If you are importing a container of goods, or deck cargo such as a vehicle or timber, check it very carefully when you get it home and alert Biosecurity Service if you find any live animals/insects, or their eggs. There are several examples of damaging species being found in this way in Table 1. Don‟t try to take specimens to Biosecurity staff which may risk their spread, but close the container and ask the staff to come to you. Keep an eye out in your village, plantations and forest for any unusual animals or plants, for trees with leaves being eaten or dying over large areas – you may be the first to spot the arrival of a new plant disease or insect pest. Detecting it early is the key to eradicating it and potentially saving Cook Islands millions of dollars. 22 Inter-island biosecurity A key part of this strategy will be to try to prevent invasive species moving between different islands within the country. It is too late to eradicate many from Cook Islands altogether but we can maybe keep some islands free of them. Invasive species found on some islands but not others include ship rats, Indian myna, no-see-'em biting-midge, Mimosa invisa and many other weeds. International responsibilities Invasive species are clearly also an international issue with an emphasis on preventing them moving from one country to another. Agencies and exporters in the countries of origin have some defined responsibilities to check consignments before they are sent and to provide paperwork identifying what is in containers, other cargo and mail items. This system can go wrong, as in the lettuce aphid example (Table 1) when the three boxes found to contain the pest were identified as having missed inspection as the exporter had sourced them from another supplier to make up the order. There are a number of international and regional organisations undertaking coordinating roles, a number of international regulations in force, and countries that trade with each should work in close cooperation. Cook Island’s native biodiversity at risk The Cook Islands has 63 native species assessed for their conservation status using the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species that are ranked as „endangered‟ (8 species) or „vulnerable‟ (55 species) (ISSG 2014). There are ten endemic species, i.e. found only in the Cook Islands, on the list, six birds (five „vulnerable‟ and one „near-threatened‟), one reptile („vulnerable‟) and three fish („least concern‟). These species and the key factors that threaten them with extinction are identified in Table 3. (Note: the three endemic marine fish are not included as invasive species are not considered among their threats). The country‟s landsnail fauna includes species endemic to the country and endemic to Rarotonga itself. There is a pattern of extinctions spreading from coastal areas to the interior on Rarotonga, particularly of ground dwelling species, and invasive species are implicated in this and pose a threat to some remaining species (Brook 2010). Rooting and scratching by pigs and chickens can disturb 23 ground-layer micro-habitats making them uninhabitable by snails, and ship rats, mice, introduced ants and other invertebrates are likely predators. Table 3: Cook Islands threatened endemic birds and lizards and the key threats to them. (Source: modified from ISSG 2015 and Gerald McCormack pers. comm.). Species IUCN Red List Category Location Invasive Species Threats Cook Islands Reed-warbler (Acrocephalus kerearako) Near threatened Mangaia, Miti‟aro Cats, Pacific and ship rats (predation); goats (habitat modification) Rarotonga starling (Aplonis cinerascens) Vulnerable Rarotonga Common myna (competition, disturbance); ship rats (predation); introduced diseases Atiu Swiftlet (Collocalia sawtelli) Vulnerable Atiu Land crabs (predation) Rarotonga Flycatcher (Pomarea dimidiate) Vulnerable Rarotonga, Atiu Cats, and ship rats (predation); weeds (habitat modification) Cook Islands Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus rarotongensis) Vulnerable Rarotonga, Atiu Common myna (competition, disturbance?); ship rats (predation?); introduced diseases Mangaia Kingfisher (Todiramphus ruficollaris) Vulnerable Mangaia Common myna (competition, disturbance); cats, (predation); goats (habitat modification) Cook Islands skink (Emoia tuitarere) Vulnerable Rarotonga Cats, and potentially Pacific, Norway and ship rats (predation) Note: The arrival of ship rats on islands where they are currently absent, e.g. Atiu, is identified as a very significant invasive species threat. The National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (2002) identified 30 nationally endangered plant species. Competition from introduced vines and shrubs is one of the factors that threaten their continued survival. Cook Island’s productive sectors at risk The importance of tourism to the country was identified earlier. Invasive species can impact on tourism in several ways, such as mosquito-borne diseases that discourage people from visiting; invading climbing vines and foreign trees that can turn Polynesian tropical forests into replicas of ones found overseas; or predators that remove native fauna leaving only foreign species. An example of an invasive species that affects tourists, is the no-see-'em biting-midge (Culicoides belkini), a small biting insect that can pass through mosquito screens which is found on Aitutaki, Manuae and Mitiaro. A taxonomic review identified this species as present in French Polynesia in the 1960‟s and indicated that it had probably arrived there from overseas via the airfield (Wirth & Arnaud 1969) and it was first detected in Aitutaki about the same time (McCormack 2015). It reached Mitiaro in around 1980. 24 The agricultural sector does not make a large contribution to the country‟s exports but is vital for people‟s livelihoods providing much of the food they eat, particularly on islands other than Rarotonga. It also provides the tropical fruits that tourists expect to enjoy. Most food crops have been brought in from overseas so are very vulnerable to the arrival of pest insects, fungi and diseases from their native lands, because Cook Islands has none of the other organisms that keep these in balance overseas. Traditional cropping systems that involved leaving land fallow for several seasons have come under pressure from population growth and reducing fertile land available. Over-cropping of land, with limited crop rotation or fallow periods, has resulted in the depletion of soil organic matter and nutrients in many areas. Incidences of soil pests and diseases, such as nematodes and phytopthora root rot, have risen rapidly and conditions have favoured the spread of weeds (Cook Islands Government 2013). Commercial forestry is no longer pursued in the Cook Islands, other than through small plantations by private individuals. So any insect pests and diseases that can affect overseas species introduced for forestry may have some but limited impact nationally. Collecting seafood in lagoons and reefs provides an important source of protein for people which could be impacted by marine invasives. Aquaculture poses a particular risk by concentrating non native organisms in situations where there would be no natural controls for any alien invasive species that can arrive. There are clear pathways for such invasive species to arrive either with marine farming equipment or stock – an importation of freshwater prawns from Fiji was banned when testing revealed the presence of two viruses that can cause a significant disease (Ministry of Marine Resources file). When an outbreak of disease occurred in pearl farms in Manihiki, technicians were required to bring their seeding equipment to Ministry of Marine Resources for sterilisation when they arrived and left the country. While invasive species can threaten the success of an aquaculture project, the more significant, irreversible impacts can be on native fauna – i.e. on Cook Islands‟ freshwater prawn species in the case of the proposed importation from Fiji. Why a NISSAP is needed Invasive species are an ever-present and growing threat and their management involves many different organisations from Government Departments, NGO‟s, farmers, fishermen and women, and island communities. This management effort has in the past been fragmented and under-resourced and the NISSAP seeks to address this by bringing all stakeholders together around an agreed plan of priority actions. 25 While border control procedures to minimise the introduction of new invasive species are in place, the necessary resources and personnel to be fully effective at the international and national levels are lacking. It is widely perceived that the system is not backed up by adequate action (fines, prosecutions, etc.) being taken when an interception is made. Border control covers the movement of passengers and cargo via air and sea transports and in addition to this the shipping companies must manage wastes and ballasts from their vessels. Several initiatives have been implemented to educate and make the public aware of the risks involved in smuggling in plants from overseas un-declared, however the problem continues, highlighting the need to expand or alter the current education and awareness program (National Environment Service 2011). The sphere of invasive species management is vast and severely under resourced (especially human and financial) and as a result some invasive species populations have grown to levels where eradication or even management is either impossible or well beyond the Country‟s means. Therefore a concentrated effort will be needed at the national, regional and international arenas to manage where we can (ibid). Invasive species management has concentrated on plant and animal pests of the productive sector in the past, but there has been a growing recognition of their impacts on native biodiversity and the environment as a whole. This recognition has led to increasing efforts from environmental agencies, taking more of a coordination role addressing all invasive species, and to the development of a regional programme. Production of the NISSAP is an activity within that programme: the GEF-PAS regional invasives project „Prevention, control and management of invasive alien species in the Pacific Islands’ being implemented by UNEP with SPREP as the executing agency. The NISSAP takes account of the regional guidelines produced by SPREP and SPC whose goal is: „To assist Pacific Island countries and territories in planning the effective management of invasive species, thereby reducing the negative impacts of invasives on their rich and fragile native heritage, communities and livelihoods‟ (SPREP 2009). The Action Plan is organised according to the three thematic areas of the Guidelines: Foundations, Problem Definition, Prioritisation, and Management Action. Implementation of the NISSAP should ensure that Cook Islands meets the Aichi target 9, established under the Convention of Biological Diversity: that by 2020, invasive alien species and 26 pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment. Process of NISSAP development An overseas consultant was recruited to assist in the development of the strategy. He made a first visit in May 2015 to collect information and meet with the key agencies. A second visit in June 2015 centred on the development of the draft Action plan and included agency meetings and two workshops, one focussed on the national picture and one on Pa Enua (including representatives of the islands of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro). All the outer islands were circulated with a questionnaire to identify the priority pests of most concern to their communities. Draft plans were circulated in June and August 2015 and questionnaires received over this period. There was then a process of following up on individual issues with different agencies. A number of stakeholder meetings were held since May 2016 to go through the document until the text was finalised and submitted to [Cabinet on what date?]. Linkages of the NISSAP to other strategies This section reviews other Government strategies and policies that address invasive species and the sectoral plans of the key agencies involved. The actions identified in this NISSAP should be fed into these strategies and plans when they are next revised. National Strategies Cook Islands has a strong framework of national strategies and policies in place and many show that environmental issues are mainstreamed across different sectors and invasive species are widely mentioned. The Cook Islands National Sustainable Development Plan 2016 - 2020 The country‟s key national strategy is working towards a national vision “To enjoy the highest quality of life consistent with the aspirations of our people in harmony with our culture and environment”. The plan is based on the identification of „National Development Goals‟ and relevant indicators. Three of 16 suggested goals relevant to invasive species are to: „Achieve food security and improved nutrition, and increase sustainable agriculture’ which covers biosecurity and to „Conserve and sustainably use our ocean, lagoon and marine resources‟ and „Protect, promote, 27 sustainable land use, management of terrestrial ecosystems, and halt biodiversity loss’ Key objectives in the plan that link to addressing invasive species are „Improve Biosecurity‟, „Protect Biodiversity‟ and Support healthy coral reefs. However there are no measurable targets established for invasive species management. Sectorial Strategies National Environment Strategic Action Framework 2005-2009 (NESAF) The NESAF was developed as a mandate under the Environment Act 2003, to replace the 1992 NEMS, and became the leading environment policy framework for the period from 2005-2009. It provided guidance and direction to the Cook Islands to protect, conserve and manage its environment and natural resource. It contained a key performance indicator in relation to invasives: „Estimated Areas (size) of contamination by spreading invasive species reduced as a result of effective control’. Four immediate invasive species priorities were identified:  A survey of all islands for invasive species  A community-based programme to eradicate invasive weeds and animal pests that are not yet widespread on particular islands  A national programme to assist with the control of more serious invasive weeds and animal pests  A multi-sectoral review of control of trans-boundary and inter-island movements of terrestrial and marine IS. An implementation review in 2008 identified the following progress against each:  Report completed of IAS on Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke.  Paper on grazing impacts of goats.  Rat control initiatives at Takitimu (Rarotonga) and monitoring on Aitutaki and Atiu. Myna bird eradication on Atiu.  Status survey of agricultural invasives.  Initiative on Mauke to eradicate Red-Passion Vine.  Initiatives to eradicate Mimosa from Mitiaro, Mauke and Mangaia ceased due to funding constraints.  Monitoring exercises through Ministry of Agriculture e.g. Cuban thrip and fruit-flies.  Biosecurity Act 2008 enforced. 28  Draft Biosafety Framework and National Status Report on Biosafety prepared. An updated NESAF 2016-2020 is under development. It contains as a strategic target: „Effective prevention, control and management of Invasive Species‟ and identifies a series of actions that will be included in the Action Plan (Section 8.0). ‘Healthy soils, healthy foods - sustaining our common livelihoods.’ Agriculture & Food Sector Strategy, 2015 draft. This strategy identifies the overuse of pesticides as one way that agriculture impacts negatively on the environment and recommends an agro‐ecology approach whereby more attention is paid to diversified cropping systems and/or integrated crops‐livestock systems. Integrated pest management helps to protect crops against pests by relying on the natural environment such as beneficial trees, plants, animals and insects. Land Use Policy (2008 Draft) This policy identifies pests and weeds among the predominant adverse environmental effects of land use. It proposes a policy element of „Coordination and processes to protect agricultural systems and forests from weeds, pests and pathogens.‟ National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan (NBSAP) The Cook Islands produced its first NBSAP in 2002 and is currently preparing a second one, allowing the priority actions identified in the NISSAP to be fed directly into this. Invasive species management was one of eight themes in the initial NBSAP, with goals to reduce the adverse impacts of invasive species on indigenous species and ecosystems and on agricultural species and ecosystems, including preventing new invasions. It is expected to have equal importance in the second NBSAP. The Fourth National Report to the CBD includes a collation of the country‟s most serious alien invasive species and reviewed progress towards the invasive species goals of the NBSAP. National Biosafety Framework A draft National Biosafety Framework was completed in 2008. It identified that the Framework should be used to strengthen the legislation and management of biosecurity as a whole to reduce the risks posed by invasive species and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO‟s). Its steering committee recommended the development of an Independent Biosecurity Agency. Other 29 recommendations on importing procedures and risk analysis are equally applicable to invasive species as they are to GMO‟s. A legislative review was carried out as part of the process to develop the Framework. This was used to guide the compilation of section 7.0 on legislation. National Capacity Self-Assessment The Biodiversity Thematic Assessment carried out within this project summarised the capacity gap in relation to invasive species (National Environment Service 2007) and identified the root causes as follows:  Insufficient capacity for effective implementation of quarantine legislation and activities such as monitoring and management of ports for early detection and action against invasive and potentially species  Current border control staff are limited and some are unskilled or have no scientific background  Limited capacity to identify and carry out thorough risk assessments on potentially invasive species  Limited capacity to respond to the threats posed by invasive species, particularly to identify, control, eradicate and monitor invasive species to minimize their impacts on biodiversity resources  Lack of policies and legislation prohibiting and preventing the movement of invasive species between islands of the Cook Islands  Ports lack capacity to control or prevent movements of biomaterial between islands and internationally  Limited coordination of efforts to eradicate invasive species  Assessment of feasibility of eradication and control options for invasive species in the Cook Islands is limited as well as identified successful methods  Communications between relevant stakeholders related to invasive species is limited  Limited awareness of how invasive species are introduced and spread within the Cook Islands  Lack of awareness of the potential consequences of clearing vegetation in terms of the spread of invasive species further inland where the majority of our endemic and native species reside  Border Control and Ministry of Health has yet to initiate plans to minimise to risk of health impacts from events such as Avian Influenza or SARS - no plan of action has been prepared. 30 Many of these are still relevant eight years later. National Disaster Risk Management Policy 2005 This policy requires formal processes of risk management to be applied in all aspects of national development planning, and emphasises the need to strengthen the resilience of the Cook Islands and its communities through the development of effective preparedness, response and recovery arrangements. The Central Policy and Planning Office are responsible for coordination and implementation of the national disaster risk reduction policies. Cook Islands National Disaster Risk Management Arrangements 2009 This plan, formulated under the National Disaster Risk Management Act 2007, is to provide the framework to support national disaster risk reduction and disaster management. Invasive species (IS) are listed as „high‟ risk based on their potential to create major emergencies or national disasters in the Cook Islands. While they contain no specifics in relation to IS, the Arrangements set out the system relevant to all identified risks including communication, planning and responding. Clearly key activities in relation to invasives are the development of an Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) Plan and the running of simulation exercises to maximise preparedness for a new invasion of a potentially damaging IS. Joint National Adaptation Plan for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation 2016-2020 It is anticipated that climate change will have increased negative impact on sectors sensitive to it such as marine resources, health, agriculture and biodiversity, in particular the increased prevalence of invasive species. In recognition of this, the Joint National Adaptation Plan for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation 2016-2020 identifies actions to improve the conservation and management of marine and terrestrial biodiversity, to increase resilience to the impacts of climate change. Specifically, these include developing programmes to eradicate and control alien invasive species. Furthermore, Kaveinga Tapapa (Climate & Disaster Compatible Development Policy 2013-2016) recognises that to strengthen climate resilience requires bolstering the conservation and management of biodiversity and ecosystems through integrated holistic approaches. 31 Cook Islands National Action Programme (NAP) for Sustainable Land Management (SLM) (Government of Cook Islands 2013) The NAP was prepared in accordance with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and recognised invasive species as an important part of the context for SLM. Improving information on invasive species was included within a goal of „Science Technology and Knowledge is enhanced to address desertification/land degradation pressures and mitigate the effects.‟ Invasive species in corporate plans For invasive species management to be appropriately organised and resourced it should appear in the Corporate Plans of the key agencies and this section reviews these. Ministry of Agriculture The Ministry of Agriculture Business plan 2015-16 identifies several biosecurity-related challenges that the NISSAP can address:  The risks posed by neighbouring countries with serious pests  The lack of trained biosecurity staff in the outer islands to carry out border control activities e.g. non-scheduled vessels, yachts, etc. It has the following invasive species-related goals and targets: 1. Maintain an effective and efficient pest surveillance and monitoring programme throughout the Cook Islands including the regular monitoring of the “Fruit Fly” traps (Research & Development) 2. Rear and release biological agents for the management of selected invasive species (Research & Development) 3. Effectively implement the Bio-Security Act 2008 throughout the Cook Islands (Biosecurity) 4. Review the Draft Biosecurity Regulations (Biosecurity) 5. Monitor the status of animal health and other diseases that may impact on both local livestock sector as well as the human population (Livestock) These are incorporated in the Action Plan (Section 8.0). National Environment Service The NES 2015-16 Business Plan identifies the current project that funded this NISSAP as one of its Aid projects: 3.2.2 Project Two– Prevention, control and management of Invasive Alien Species in 32 the Pacific Islands. It identifies „Promoting and implementing the National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan‟ as a target/indicator for 2016/17. The Island Futures Division within the Biodiversity Conservation Unit is the division responsible for invasive species management. Ministry of Marine Resources There is no specific mention of invasive species in the Ministry‟s business plans, but the following three outputs would cover their management particularly through preventative measures and advocacy and education: Output 1 Offshore Fisheries  To expand income earning opportunities from sustainable offshore fisheries, through effective management, capacity building, and infrastructure and market development  Establish monitoring and controls to prevent illegal practices.  Promote sanitary standards through appropriate legislation and practical implementation to apply to all Cook Islands fish products wherever they may be sold or exported to.  Implement all conservation and management measures agreed by any regional fisheries management organization of which the Cook Islands is a member. Output 2 – Pearl industry support and environmental management  Develop capacity in cross-cutting areas within the marine sector concerning environmental management, public health safety and food safety programs. Output 3 – Inshore fisheries and aquaculture  Ensure safe, sustainable fishing and conservation practises, the protection of culture and tradition and long term food security. 2. GUIDING PRINCIPLES The „precautionary principle‟ should be applied – where there is not enough information to predict whether a species will become invasive or not, it should be assumed that it will have a damaging impact and action should be taken to stop it establishing or spreading. It should also be assumed, based on international experience that any species imported to only be kept in ponds, pens or cages will eventually escape into the wild. 33 Preventing the arrival of introduced species is more effective and cheaper than trying to manage them after they arrive, so an emphasis should be placed on effective border control. Eradication is more effective and cheaper in the long run than permanent control of an invasive species, so it should be attempted in situations in which it is likely to succeed. Eradication is most effective if a new arrival is detected early while in small numbers, so surveillance is important. Species that cannot feasibly be eradicated should be considered for on-going control, particularly biological control. This control may be aimed at keeping them out of important sites for native flora and fauna, e.g. protected areas, or restricting them to very low numbers there. Photo: Biosecurity Officers checking a passenger’s luggage at the airport (source, MOA website) 34 3. GOAL, MISSION & THEMES Goal: Akamatutu’anga i te Kuki Airani no te parūrū, akaiti e te takore’anga i te au tū katiri kikino kia vai meitaki ua to tatou Ao Ora Natura e te au tu Mariko Ao Ora e te oraanga tangata. To facilitate and guide the protection of the country‟s biodiversity, ecosystems and the livelihoods of its people, from the impacts of invasive species. Mission: Kia ‘anga’anga taokotai te iti tangata i te parūrū, akaiti e te takore’anga i te au tū katiri kikino kia meitaki te tupu’anga o te Ao Ora Natura, te au tu Mariko Ao Ora, te au tu kai tanutanu e te oraanga tangata. To conserve biodiversity, wildlife habitat, recreation resources, and crop production, while protecting and enhancing human health and wellbeing, by cooperation and coordination by all to carry out effective prevention, control and management of invasive species. Themes: The strategy follows the Regional Guidelines (SPREP 2009) with three themes as follows: Theme A: Foundations Managing invasive species is a huge task that will only be effective if based on strong foundations. This requires:  Generating Support - from Government, village communities, and funders  Building Capacity – including strong institutions, individuals with sound management and technical skills, and regional networks  Legislation, Policy and Protocols – appropriate laws, regulations, policies, protocols and procedures. Theme B: Problem definition, prioritisation and decision-making There are a large number of invasive species present in Cook Islands and many more outside its borders, and resources to tackle them will always be limited. There need to be systems in place to 35 decide how to allocate resources based on the best possible information on the distribution, numbers and likely impacts of these species. This requires to:  Establish baseline information on invasive species and monitor change;  Establish systems for risk management and prioritisation;  Update knowledge and develop new management techniques. Theme C: Management Action Management action has three elements:  Biosecurity - preventing the arrival of new invasive species through effective border control;  Eradication or control of those invasive species already present;  Restoration work if needed on sites where invasive species (e.g. weeds) have been removed. 4. PATHWAY ANALYSIS A spreadsheet has been compiled that identifies the detailed means that the different IS present in Cook Islands, move around (ISSG 2014). As an example, soil is a medium that can transport weed seeds, the nests of ants, the eggs of land snails and the larvae of pest insects. This section reviews the major pathways through which invasive species can enter the country or move between islands within it. There are several peaks in activity at the border from Customs and Biosecurity points of view:  Yachts - May to September;  Peak tourism by air – April to September and December;  Cruise ships – January to March. 4.1 International By Air Four international airlines currently fly into Rarotonga:  Air New Zealand: Up to nine flights a week via Auckland departing from Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.  Virgin Australia: Four flights a week via Auckland departing from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.  Tahiti Nui: One flight a week from Papeete. 36  Jetstar Airways Pty Ltd: Three flights a week via Auckland departing from Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sydney, Wellington and Christchurch.  Air Rarotonga Jet: occasionally visit, Tonga, Niue, Samoa, Fiji and Tahiti. By Sea Commercial shipping There are three international shipping schedules currently operating through the Cook Islands, operated by three companies Matson Ltd (MV Liloa) Excil Shipping Ltd (MV Imua II) and Transam Cook Islands (MV Tiare Moana – currently out of service looking for a replacement vessel) and they run on an approximately three weekly cycle with ships originating from Auckland (New Zealand). There are two container ports in the Cook Islands one on Rarotonga and one on Aitutaki. Matson‟s and Excil‟s vessels travel to Cook Islands via Suva (Fiji), Apia (Samoa) and Pago Pago (American Samoa). The other internationally shipping SV Kwai operated by Hawaii Pacific Maritime Ltd occasionally visits the Cook Islands bringing cargos from the United States and entering the country via Penrhyn directly from Hawaii via Kiribati. The keys to blocking the commercial shipping pathway are good procedures when filling containers and preparing manifests (lists of contents) at the country of origin; inspecting and fumigating as many as possible on arrival in Cook Islands; then careful emptying them at their destination. Paperwork providing a clean bill of health should be received by border control from the forwarding countries. Some goods and machinery are shipped as deck cargo rather than in containers and these can pose a particular risk. Visiting Yachts There are 3 designated Biosecurity Ports of Entry for yachts visiting the Cook Islands: Rarotonga (Avatiu Harbour), Aitutaki (Arutanga), Atiu (Taunganui). No one can come ashore until a vessel has been cleared by Customs, a biosecurity clearance has been issued by Quarantine, and a „certificate of pratique‟ issued by Health Department. Suwarrow Atoll is not a recognized port of entry however the Government has allowed vessels to enter the island but only when the national park rangers are present. A registry of 100 yachts visiting Suwarrow between May and November 2018 identified that the last port visited by 91 (91%) of these was in French Polynesia, of 1 in Fiji, 1 in Finland and 7 elsewhere in the Cook Islands. This confirms a strong potential pathway for invasives to move by yacht from French Polynesia and other countries. 37 Voyaging Canoes A Te Manava Vaka Festival in 2015 illustrated the high risk posed by traditional vaka voyaging to the Cook Islands. Despite prior discussions between the Biosecurity Service and the festival organisers, Biosecurity staff found and destroyed over 30kg of fresh fruit on a vaka from French Polynesia. The Biodiversity Director identified in the media that this quantity of fruit could have concealed over 100 fruit flies. Photo: Agriculture officers (Ngai Aratangi and Piri Maao) take the confiscated fruit away to be burned. (Source: Biosecurity). Cruise or Passenger ships Passenger ships are becoming frequent to the Cook Islands. There were twelve visits in 2017 and eleven in 2016. These ships sail directly from French Polynesia, New Zealand, Tokelau, Samoa, Fiji and Tonga to the Cook Islands. The visits are usually for one day, arriving in the morning and departing in the afternoon. Other External Pathways Natural disasters Natural disasters such as cyclones may directly carry new invasive species to the Cook Islands however their major threat is likely to be an indirect one through the consequent relief operation. Large quantities of supplies and relief materials are likely to enter the country over a short period 38 from a variety of different countries, putting a strain on border control facilities and procedures at a time when these may have been damaged or staff and their families directly impacted. While humanitarian needs are obviously the priority, disaster management planning needs to emphasise biosecurity to avoid the recovering population being also faced with a long-term threat to their economy or environment. There may be a need to bring in overseas biodiversity personal to assist local staff to manage the increased traffic which is likely to include more high risk items. The Cook Islands National Disaster Risk Management Arrangements provide a framework for border control procedures to be strongly maintained during disaster responses (Government of Cook Islands 2009). ‘Natural’ pathways New organisms can also arrive in the ways that they have done forever unaided by people: by flying to the islands, being carried here on the wind, swimming here, or „rafting‟ here on floating vegetation. All people need to keep an eye out for any unusual species and assess any found for the risk they pose. 4.2 Internal Pathways By Air There are airports on nine islands: Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mitiaro, Mauke, Manihiki, Pukapuka, and Penrhyn. Air Rarotonga is the only domestic airline and all flights depart from Rarotonga. Between April and Mid December Air Rarotonga flies non-stop between Aitutaki and Atiu (www.airraro.com). Flights also fly from Rarotonga to Mitiaro and onwards to Mauke and Rarotonga to Aitutaki on to Mitiaro. By Sea Taio Shipping runs a shipping service approximately once every two months from Rarotonga to Penrhyn, Rakahanga and Manihiki, once every two and a half months to Palmerston and Pukapuka, and once or twice a month to Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke and Mangaia. Cook Islands Towage Ltd run a regular service to the Pa Enua, particularly to transport heavy machineries under donors and Governments projects. The frequency of the service normally depends on the timing of such projects. The Cook Islands Towage Ltd is currently seeking a replacement for a barge that sank off Mauke in November 2015. 39 As a possible example of transmission by the internal sea pathway, an individual in Penrhyn commented that he saw an insect that he had never seen on the island before, only a couple of months after the shipment of aggregates for the solar power project there (Dorothy Solomona pers. comm.). 5. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES This section identifies the roles of the main agencies and organisations who are stakeholders in IAS management. 5.1 National Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) The Ministry of Agriculture plays a major role in invasive species control through administering the Biosecurity Act, 2008. It has two key divisions involved: Research Division  Undertakes research on and maintains database of agricultural pests  Undertakes bio-control programmes Biosecurity Service  Administers Biosecurity Act 2008 through: o Managing border control & quarantine o Import and export requirement including risk assessment for importation of new species National Environment Service (NES) The mandate of the NES is provided by the Environment Act 2003. Three key functions are to:  Protect, conserve, and manage the environment to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources  Protect, conserve, and manage wildlife, in particular protected species  Protect, conserve and manage the environment in relation to Cook Islands waters. It is largely to achieve these functions that the NES has an important role in managing invasive species, primarily those impacting on native biodiversity. The NES manages the Cook Islands 40 activities within the Regional GEF-PAS project: „Prevention, control and management of invasive alien species in the Pacific Islands‟. Ministry of Marine Resources Ministry of Marine Resources is responsible for both inshore and offshore fisheries management. The Marine Resources Act 2005 defines the fishery waters of Cook Islands as the internal waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone. The Ministry is mandated to provide for the conservation, management and development of marine resources. Natural Heritage Trust This Trust was established by the Natural Heritage Trust Act 1999 and its goal is to encourage the protection of the natural environment and associated traditional knowledge by an increased awareness of Cook Islands plants and animals, and related traditional and scientific knowledge. The Cook Islands Biodiversity Database developed and maintained by the Trust is the principal source of information on terrestrial and marine plants and animals including their invasiveness. Ministry of Transport (MOT) The MOT is responsible for regulating the maritime and civil aviation transport systems under the mandate of the Maritime Transport Act 2008 and the Civil Aviation Act 2002 respectively. The MOT is also responsible for the enforcement of the Prevention of the Marine Pollution Act 1998. Among others, MOT ensures the Ballast water and Hull fouling meets the requirements of the IMO relevant Conventions and domestic legislations. Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) The mission of Te Ipukarea Society is to promote the balance and harmony, which should characterise the relationship of the Cook Islands people with other components of their environment. It has three core objectives:  To disseminate information and create public awareness amongst members and the community regarding environmental matters.  To demonstrate sound ideas and practices for the purpose of promoting conservative and sustainable development through carefully selected field projects; such demonstrations to draw on the traditional knowledge and practices where they are considered beneficial.  To co-operate with similar organizations within the Cook Islands and throughout the world for the purpose of advancing the course of conservation and sustainable development. 41 TIS is managed by a voluntary committee and paid staff and volunteers attend to the day-to-day running of the Society and it is a member of IUCN and Birdlife International. It is involved in several invasive species projects including the eradication of rats from Suwarrow and support for rat control to protect kakerori in Rarotonga. Growers Associations There are 10 registered growers associations in the Cook Islands. About one third of the farmers in the Cook Islands are full-time farmers and two thirds are part-time farmers. Table 4: Growers Associations on Rarotonga and Aitutaki Island Association Rarotonga The Titikaveka Growers Association Inc. (see below) Te Mou Enua Famers Federation Cook Islands Inc. The Nikao Growers Ass. Inc. Rarotonga Organic Growers Ass. Inc. Te Tango Enua O Tupapa - A Cook Islands Food Security & Self Reliance Ass. Inc. Matavera Cash Crop Growers Ass. Inc. Matavera Growers Ass Inc. Ngatangiia Growers Association Inc. Mangaia Tamarua Growers & Association Inc. Aitutaki Aitutaki Growers association Inc. Titikaveka Grower’s Association This association has the aim: „to promote, facilitate and manage Biological and Organic practises in all forms of Agriculture, Livestock Management programs and other self- dependency ventures in those fields’. Department of Customs The Department of Customs is the Government agency with the role of ensuring security of the border and protecting the country from the entry, or exit, of people, craft, or goods and other treasured items, where the entry or exit may pose a risk to national interests. This includes assisting in preventing the entry of invasive species. The Department works to ensure that lawful travellers and goods can move across the border as smoothly and effectively as possible. Customs areas of operations include airports, vessels, marine ports, airfreight and sea freight facilities, the postal centre, and express mail. Staffs have the power to search any goods or persons 42 arriving at the border or to check the documentation and contents of goods either imported to or exported from the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands has nine designated Customs Ports of Entry: Rarotonga International Airport Avarua, Avatiu Wharf Rarotonga, Arutanga Wharf Aitutaki, Akaiami Sea Landing Aitutaki, Taunganui Wharf Atiu, Omoka Wharf Penrhyn, Yato Wharf Pukapuka, Tauhunu Wharf Manihiki and Tukao Wharf Manihiki. There are also two non-designated Customs Ports of Entry, Suwarrow and Palmerston Island. Customs has offices in Avarua and Aitutaki; authorised officers who are also police officers in Atiu, Penrhyn, Manihiki and Pukapuka; authorised officers who are the Park Rangers under the National Environment Service in Suwarrow; and an Authorised Officer in Palmerston who is the Island Administrator for the Island. Department of Public Health The Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health under the Community Health Service Directorate is responsible for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases, namely lymphatic filariasis, dengue fever, zika virus and chikungunya. This activity is mandated under the Public Health Act 2004 Part 5 Mosquitoes and other Regulated Vectors, the International Health regulation 2005, and the Ministry of Health (International Health Regulation Compliance) Regulation 2014. The object of this activity is to protect and safeguard the health and wellbeing of the people of the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands Vector-Borne Work Plan contains activities relating to public awareness and health promotion, mass cleaning campaigns, border control, monitoring and surveillance, risk assessment, and localised spraying. A commercial service is also included to address household pests such as flies, ants, cockroaches and centipedes. Cook Islands Ports Authority The Ports Authority is a Crown-owned statutory corporation established by Act of Parliament in 1995 and, in line with the provisions of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation Act 1998, it is a subsidiary of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation. The Authority is responsible for the ports of Avatiu on Rarotonga, and Arutanga on Aitutaki. Its assets include buildings, wharves, port facilities, tugboats, plant and equipment, storage/transit 43 sheds, open storage areas, and stacking areas for commercial purposes. It also maintains the channel, approach, berth depths, navigational aids, and wharves (piers, jetties). The Authority provides marshalling services for the movement of containerised, breakbulk and homogeneous cargoes through the ports. It also provides cargo handling equipment for containers and general cargo, and a cleaning service for containers leaving the country. As part of its weekly work plan, which has short-term and long-term scheduled maintenance items, the Port Authority ensures that the port area is free of rats by setting up rat baits and monitoring around the port area every month. To reduce rat infestation, garbage is removed three to four times a week. Biodiversity Steering Committee Steering committee members from key stakeholders with involvement in biodiversity issues were initially appointed by the Cook Islands Government for the NBSAP project in 2001. The composition of steering committee has changed over time. The committee now consists of representatives of the following agencies:  National Environment Service,  Ministry of Agriculture,  Ministry of Marine Resources  Ministry of Education  Ministry of Culture,  Ministry of Finance & Economic management – Development Coordination Division  Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust  Office of the Prime Minister  Cook Islands Tourism Authority  House Of Ariki  Koutu Nui  Marae Moana  Te Ipukarea Society Each Steering Committee member has a role to play in regards to the progress of biodiversity projects and activities in the Cook Islands. The committee provides a useful forum for discussion of issues affecting the environment and biodiversity gives overall policy guidance, support and advice on biodiversity-related issues and meets when required. 44 5.2 Regional SPREP and SPC are the two key agencies to provide regional coordination and support for the management of invasive species with impacts on native biodiversity, and agricultural and fisheries sectors, respectively. SPC also supports border control programmes. Annex 1 provides further details of their roles and identifies other agencies and initiatives that support invasive species work in the region. 6.0 PAST & CURRENT PROGRAMMES GEF-PAS Regional Invasive Project – Prevention, control and management of invasive alien species in the Pacific Islands The National Environment Service is managing the Cook Islands component of this regional nine country project, coordinated by SPREP. It contains the following main activities:  development of this NISSAP  revised risk analysis and early detection and rapid response systems to include invasive species that threaten biodiversity  ship rat early detection surveillance (Atiu and Suwarrow)  formulation of an Emergency Response Plan  develop of community training and awareness programme  management activities including determining practices for control of Cuscuta or Dodder (Rarotonga), beach burr (Pukapuka), and sand flies (Aitutaki and Mitiaro); eradication of red passionfruit (Mauke); rearing and re-distribution of biocontrol agents for priority species including Mimosa invisa. Border Control & Quarantine The ongoing work of the Biosecurity Service is guided by a Biosecurity Manual revised in 2014 that covers:  Aircraft and Passenger Clearance  Vessel and Yacht Clearance  Import clearance - ensuring that all inward cargo meets biosecurity requirements  Export certification - ensuring that all exports of both private and commercial agricultural products are as pest-free as possible and in compliance with the protocol of the country of destination  Internal quarantine - certification of the movement of plants within the Cook Islands. 45 Ten staffs are employed on biosecurity work on Rarotonga and a small number of the Agriculture Department staff on the outer islands has training in this field. Internal (inter-island) Border Control Prevention of arrival, or early detection and eradication of rats The return of any rat species to Suwarrow or the arrival of ship rats on Atiu would be disastrous for birdlife. Measures put in place to prevent this include a biosecurity plan for Suwarrow and an awareness programme on Atiu including the poster below. 46 Emergency Response There has been some work on emergency response plans to sit under the National Disaster Risk Management Arrangements. A Cook Islands Animal Health Emergency Response Plan was endorsed by Cabinet in June 2011. The plan identifies the steps to be taken following the detection of an outbreak as:  investigate and determine the extent of an outbreak  establish quarantine measures at affected sites to contain the pest or disease  identify the likely source of the outbreak  assess the feasibility of successful eradication being achieved. It identifies the high risks posed by the possible arrival of diseases such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease affecting poultry or other birds, and foot and mouth disease affecting cattle, pigs and goats. The GEF-PAS Invasive Species project funded the development and testing of a more general Emergency Response Plan for all invasive species in 2016. Eradication of Pest Vertebrates Suwarrow Island Rat Eradication Suwarrow Island is a National Park with globally significant seabird populations, consisting of 30 motu around a lagoon with a landmass of c.1.68sq km. Pacific rats were detected on one motu in 2008 during a seabird survey and four motu were later found to be infested. In May 2013 the National Environment Service, Te Ipukarea Society and Birdlife International carried out a ground poisoning operation using the toxin brodifacoum (Munro 2015). A draft Biosecurity Plan has been developed to minimise the risks of rats becoming re-established in the future. Subsequent monitoring has determined that this operation was successful and Suwarrow officers had not detected any rats until 2016, when they reported sighting rats on Motu Tou. Frequent monitoring on Anchorage Island resulted in no rats being found, thus determining that rats are only present on Motu Tou and these could be survivors of the eradication program or new arrivals. In 2018, a rat eradication program was carried out and it is anticipated this program has successfully eradicate rats on the Island. Programmes to eradicate Indian Myna A major programme was initiated on Atiu (2693ha) in 2009 aiming to eradicate myna to increase the productivity of native birds, including the chattering kingfisher, and the kakerori and Rimatara 47 lorikeet recently introduced to the island. A programme developed and coordinated by the Cook Island Natural Heritage Trust has carried out a combination of poisoning, trapping and shooting since June 2009 and is very close to achieving eradication. As of March 2016 no mynas had been reported since the beginning of November and it was considered that maybe up to five remained and a shooter was carrying out searches. A feasibility study was prepared in 2006 on the eradication of myna from Mangaia (5180ha) to protect the kingfisher that is endemic to this island (Parkes 2006). This concluded that eradication was both justified and technical feasible. Experience from the programme on the smaller island of Atiu would be likely to significantly increase the chance of success. However it was decided that further proof of the detrimental effect of the myna on the kingfisher was needed to convince the community (and funding agencies) that the myna should be eradicated for the sake of this species. Surveys developed and coordinated by the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust over the 2006/07 and 2007/08 breeding seasons indicated that there were limited negative interactions between the kingfishers and mynas, so eradication was not justified. Control of Pest Vertebrates Control of rats to conserve kakerori on Rarotonga A 26-year programme of periodic control of ship rats, through poisoning 155ha of forest at Takitumu Conservation Area using a grid of bait stations, has increased kakerori numbers from 29 in 1989 to over 300 birds today. A second population of birds has been established on Atiu and as a result of the recovery programme the status of the species has been down-listed by the IUCN from „critically endangered‟ to „vulnerable‟. Control of Pest Invertebrates Response to the arrival of Glassy-winged Sharpshooter (Rarotonga, March 2007). After initial delimiting surveys, systemic insecticides were used to control the species at sites that contained high numbers of adult insects. In October 2007, a tiny (2 mm) parasitic wasp, Gonatocerus ashmeadi was imported from Tahiti and released as a possible biocontrol at three sites about 1 km apart. Since its release, the wasp has multiplied and spread quickly in areas where GWSS is present. Monitoring results indicate that the GWSS population has significantly decreased. Almost all eggs of GWSS collected from the field had been parasitised by the wasp. Although the wasp will not eradicate GWSS entirely from the island, it is keeping the population under control. 48 Response to the arrival of two thrips (Rarotonga, 2009). The Cuban laurel thrips (Gynaikothrips ficicorum) and red-banded thrip (Selenothrips rubrocinctus) arrived in Rarotonga around November 2009 and reached high numbers in their first year attacking tomatoes, Benjamin fig trees, pawpaws and orchids, avocado, Terminalia trees and potentially mangoes. Insecticides cannot achieve complete control and a tiny predatory bug (Macrotrachelia thripiformis) was introduced from Hawaii in December 2010 which has reduced numbers of the Cuban laurel thrip to acceptable levels. Biological control of coconut scale (Aspidiotus constructor) This is a major pest on coconut trees and many other fruit trees on Atiu. A ladybird beetle Chilocorus circumdatus, originally introduced from Australia around 1990 was transferred from Rarotonga to Atiu in 2008. Studies and control of no-see-'em biting-midge The Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust organised a team of international experts to visit Aitutaki and Mitiaro in 2015 to study this species and identify its breeding sites (McCormack 2015). The midges were observed breeding on the edge of a small swamp on Aitutaki, where follow-up control work is planned, and in the large central swampland on Mitiaro. Control of Pest Plants Biocontrol programme A weed biocontrol scoping study was carried out in 2012 by Landcare Research (Paynter & Lloyd 2012). It identified 41 priority weed species of which a smaller number were suitable for biocontrol in the near term. Two species, the giant sensitive plant (Mimosa diplotricha) and lantana (Lantana camara, were not included because they are already well controlled by biocontrol agents that have been introduced to the Cook Islands. Eight species were identified for initial work and six bioagents were released on Rarotonga. The table below is a list of recent biocontrol agents released in the wild on Rarotonga. 49 Table 5: Biocontrol Agents recently released on Rarotonga (Source: MOA) Biocontrol Agent Host Plant Biocontrol Agents on host plant Heliconius butterflies (Heliconius errata) Red Passion Fruit vine (Passiflora rubra) Rust fungus (Puccinia xanthii) Cockleburr (Xanthium strumarium) Tectococcus ovatus Strawberry guava (Psidium Cattleianum) Mikania rust fungus (Puccinia spegazzinii) Mile-a minute (Mikania micrantha) Rust fungus (Puccinia arechavaletae) Balloon vine plants (Cardiospermum grandiflorum) Gall forming mite (Colomerus spathodeae) African tulip trees (Spathodea campanulata) 50 Community-based programmes Several community projects on Mauke, Mangaia, Aitutaki and Mitiaro have been focused on eliminating Passiflora rubra (Pōkutekute), Mimosa invisa (Pikika‟a atupaka) and Mimosa pudica (Pikika‟a). Munro & Kaokao (2015) reported on a programme funded by the GEF-PAS Invasives Project to control red passion fruit which is confined to a single site on Mauke. There have been several previous attempts to eradicate this plant from 2001 onwards, and the latest effort was initiated in 2007 led by the Environment Officer based on the island. There have been no sightings of mature red passion fruit since 2013 and all juveniles have been killed. However there are increasing numbers of seedlings germinating from dormant seeds in the ground. Ongoing consistent efforts are needed to ensure that the seedlings are destroyed before they reach fruit-bearing age. Management of Marine Invasives There has not yet been any work conducted on the control of any marine alien invasive species. The native crown of thorns starfish (COT) is occasionally controlled when numbers rise to a point that reefs suffer significant damage, e.g. on Aitutaki in May 2003. The Ministry of Marine Resources maintains a thorough biosecurity programme to manage the importation and exportation of new organisms for aquaculture. As an example, a rejection of prawn shipments was identified earlier. Paua spawning and rearing is governed by an export protocol that involves the shells being cleaned with chlorine before spawning, all water used for rearing being filtered, and this stock is isolated from the normal rearing of other clams. 51 Education and Awareness National Environment Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Te Ipukarea Society have undertaken awareness programmes related to invasive species. As examples, the National Environment Service organised a „cross the island walk‟ with Avarua school looking at threats to biodiversity, and developed an Invasive Species poster series (as below). The Ministry of Agriculture ran a very comprehensive awareness campaign following the Oriental fruitfly outbreak including TV and radio programmes (poster below). Example of Invasive Species posters in Maori and English produced by NES 52 Photo: Elizabeth Munro, Senior Biodiversity Officer highlighting invasive species threats to endemic plants during a Web of Life school programme Awareness material produced by Ministry of Agriculture during Fruit Fly outbreak 53 7.0 LEGISLATION & INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS The following Acts and Regulations include provisions relating to invasive species management: 7.1 National Legislation Biosecurity Act 2008 This Act is to prevent the entry of animal and plant pests and diseases into the Cook Islands, to control their establishment and spread in to the Cook Islands, to regulate the movement of animal and plant pests and diseases and of animals and plants and their products; to facilitate international cooperation in respect of animal and plant diseases; and to make ancillary and related provisions. Its sections include coverage of border and internal controls, import and export procedures, and quarantine. It sets out the functions of the Cook Islands Biosecurity Service which are extensive. The following legislation has been repealed with the passing of the Biosecurity Act: Plants Act 1973, Plant Quarantine Regulations 1993, Domestic Quarantine Regulations 1993, Animals Act 1975, Animals Importation Redulations1992, Animals Disease Prevention Regulations 1982, Copra Act 1970; Wandering Animals Act (24 of 1976); Cook Islands Fruit Regulations 1965. Environment Act 2003 This is the principal legislation for biodiversity conservation. It provides national legislation for the conservation and management of biodiversity as follows:  Protected Species – Designating animals and plant as protected species for the purpose of this Act.  Providing for the protection, conservation and management of wildlife, protected species or both.  Regulating or prohibiting trade and commerce in wildlife, protected species, or both.  Protected Areas – Establishing Protected Areas Environment (Biodiversity and Conservation) Regulations 2016 These regulations are currently being revised to fit a new Crown Law template. Part 2 „Trade in Endangered Species‟ includes the following provisions: 54 1. Restrictions on Trade (1) Unless a person holds a permit, issued by the Service before the trade takes place, that person must not trade in:  invasive alien species to the Cook Islands  invasive alien species between islands of the Cook Islands  invasive native species between islands of the Cook Islands. Pa Enua Local Government Act 2012-13 One of the Objects of the Act is to enable Pa Enua Local Governments and their island communities to decide on how best to promote the social, economic, cultural and environmental well-being of the respective islands. It contains provisions for the Crown to transfer responsibilities to empower the Pa Enua Local Government to perform any functions and exercise any powers, and to make bylaws which could be applied to aspects of invasive species management. Disaster Risk Management Act This Act provides for Disaster Risk Management in the Cook Islands. Its objects are to ensure Disaster Risk Management procedures are put in place, establish an efficient structure for the management of disasters, and enhance the capacity of the government, relevant agencies and the community to effectively manage the impacts of disasters. Maritime Rules 2014 Several Rules were made in 2014 pursuant to the Maritime Transport Act 2008/4 including one to implement the country‟s obligations under the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships‟ Ballast Water and Sediments. This places administration of the Rules which incorporate the Convention with the Ministry of Transport. 7.2 Island-specific Regulations: Environment (Mitiaro) Regulations 2006 and Environment (Atiu & Takutea) Regulations 2008 These extracts from regulations for Mitiaro and Atiu & Takutea show the types of controls that island „governments‟ can impose. The regulations state that it is: 55 „Unlawful to import into or keep on the island any animal, or any coconut or plant not native to the island except with prior written approval of the Ui Ariki and the Island Council and provided that all Quarantine measures have been taken. The Island Council may, from time to time, in consultation with the Island Environment Authority, establish measures necessary for the control or eradication of invasive animal or bird species that threaten or harm any birds present on Mitiaro or Atiu & Takutea which are native to these islands. All pigs shall be kept outside any residential area or at least fifty metres from: (a) any occupied dwelling; or (b) the boundary of any neighbouring land. Every owner of a pig shall keep such a pig within a suitable enclosure, or tethered. The Island Council shall be entitled to appoint and dismiss certain persons to act as Enforcement Officers to assist in enforcing these Regulations who may, when required, also be deemed to include any Officer of the Environment Service, Police Department, Quarantine, Public Health, Marine Resources and Public Works.‟ 7.3 International Conventions & Agreements Convention on Biological Diversity (Ratified by Cook Islands 1993) This is the key convention relating to the conservation of flora, fauna and ecosystems. It requires countries to develop a NBSAP and specifically to „prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species.‟ An Aichi Target 9 adopted by a Conference of the Parties to the CBD covers invasive species as follows: By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment. International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) The IPPC is an international agreement on plant health developed in 1951 and overseen by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Its objectives include:  protecting sustainable agriculture and enhancing global food security through the prevention of pest spread  protecting the environment, forests and biodiversity from plant pests 56  facilitating economic and trade development through the promotion of harmonized scientifically based phytosanitary measures  developing phytosanitary capacity for members to accomplish the preceding three objectives. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) UNCLOS includes (Part V) prescription of exclusive economic zones (EEZs) stretching to 200 nautical miles from its coast over which a country has special rights over the exploration and use of marine resources. Part XII contains provisions for protection and preservation of the marine environment including minimising pollution and preventing the introduction of invasive species. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (July 2002) This protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology. The Parties undertake to ensure that the development, handling, transport, use, transfer and release of any LMOs are undertaken in a manner that prevents or reduces the risks to biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. While LMOs are different from invasive species, similar processes of risk management, border control and quarantine apply. International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (2004) The key obligation on Parties is „… to undertake comprehensive actions in order to prevent, reduce and if possible eliminate the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through the control and management of ships‟ ballast water and sediments.‟ 57 8.0 ACTION PLAN The 5 year Action Plan is based on the nine outcomes in the regional guidelines. Outcomes & Actions Activities Target Means of Verification and Monitoring Frequency Responsibility Financing Costing estimate GUIDELINES – THEMATIC AREA A: FOUNDATIONS A1.Generating Support OUTCOME 1.1: The impacts of priority invasive species on biodiversity, economies, livelihoods, food security and health, are widely understood and actions to manage and reduce them are supported. Raise awareness of the public on the impacts of Invasive Species present in the Cook Islands, and identify those that are a potential threat to the country’s biodiversity, economy, livelihoods, food-security and health. Develop and utilise awareness materials of the most damaging terrestrial invasive species not found in the Cook Islands but at high risk of arriving from overseas. Poster of Invasive Species not found in the Cook Islands but likely to arrive developed in 2020 Poster of Invasive Species not found on 6 Pa Enua islands but likely to arrive produced in 2020 Poster produced and distributed to all islands NES, MOA NES, MOA, GEF-IAS Project, SRIC-CC, NHT, MOA R2R $20,000 Develop and utilise awareness materials on the potential threat of marine invasive species to the Cook Islands Poster of marine invasive species that could theoretically reach Cook Islands produced by 2023 Poster produced and distributed to all islands MMR, NES, TIS NES, MOA, GEF-IAS Project, SRIC-CC $20,000 Develop and utilise brochures for each island identifying priority Invasive Species not found there yet but at risk of arriving from neighbouring islands. Pamphlets created in 2021 to identify each high risk species, with warnings aimed at preventing their arrival Materials produced and distributed to all islands SPC, MOA and NES, Outer Islands NES, MOA, GEF-IAS Project, SRIC-CC, MOA-R2R $20,000 Develop awareness programs on increased threats from invasive species associated with climate change Radio and workshop programmes produced by 2020 Materials produced and distributed MOA, NES, MOH, TIS, OPM NES, MOA, GEF-IAS Project, SRIC-CC $80,000 Raise awareness of Island Governments and other key stakeholders of the threat posed by invasive species Organise a presentation and/or workshop on this issue 2020 Record of presentation and workshop NES, Island Mayors NES, MOA, MOA-R2R $10,000 58 Outcomes & Actions Activities Target Means of Verification and Monitoring Frequency Responsibility Financing Costing estimate Develop awareness materials on the impact of invasive species on farmers operations Information materials developed and distributed to farmers by 2022 Materials printed and disseminated to farmers MOA, BTIB, TIS MOA, BTIB, SPC, FAO, MOA-R2R $50,000 Carry out education programmes to raise awareness among school pupils Work with primary schools to introduce invasive species through events during Environment Week or National Days (e.g. Biodiversity Day, Korero o te Orau, World Food Day) Programmes established for primary school children to follow at school or during field visits, 2022. Children pass on what they learn to parents Record of students’ participation NES, MOA, MOE, NHT, TIS NES, MOA, MOE, MOA R2R $50,000 Awareness and understanding of Invasive Species raised in schools by incorporating invasive species into curriculum and by school visits by experts. The issue of Invasive Species is taught via various subjects in schools: e.g. biology, science, social studies, Horticulture, agriculture by 2020. Visits made to each school biennially. Record of number of schools and students involved with the subject annually. MOA, NES, SPC, MOE, NHT, TIS MOE $50,000 A2. Building Capacity OUTCOME 1.2: The institutions, skills, infrastructure, technical support, information management, networks and exchanges required to manage invasive species effectively are developed. Biodiversity Committee to take on the role of coordinating the implementation of the NISSAP. Committee to include an annual review of progress on NISSAP implementation in its schedule. Two committee meetings held on invasive species and NISSAP a year, one undertaking an annual review. Meeting minutes twice a year. NES, Biodiversity Committee members, MOA NES, MOA $50,000 Ensure adequate staffing to manage invasive species Ensure that a staff member at Environment Services has invasive species management as a key part of their role. Ensure that MOA Biosecurity is staffed to fully cover the rest of the Cook Islands to manage border control and to also take on invasive species management activities. Ensure that a staff member at Marine Resources has marine invasive species management as a key part of their role Staff position identified 2022. Warrant of appointment for Pa Enua Biosecurity Officers by 2019(Southern Group Islands) 2022 (at least two Northern Group Island) Staff position identified 2022. Job description Pa Enua Biosecurity officers appointed Job description NES Biosecurity, MOA MMR NES MOA,SPC, SRIC-CC, MOA-R2R MMR $100,000 59 Outcomes & Actions Activities Target Means of Verification and Monitoring Frequency Responsibility Financing Costing estimate Training/capacity needs addressed Ensure that Biosecurity staffs receive training to bring them up to date with continued upgrading of biosecurity/border control manuals, inspection tactics, laws (Biosecurity Act) and legislation Train farmers on appropriate use of pesticide Staff trained and carrying out duties according to procedural manual by June 2023 Farmers trained on use of pesticide Training records and database. Biosecurity, MOA, SPC, SPREP, FAO, OPM MOA SPC, SPREP, MOA-R2R $200,000 Carry out a review of NISSAP and develop the next strategy Commission an independent review of the NISSAP in 2024. Develop a revised NISSAP for 2026 and beyond Review completed in 2024 Process to develop new NISSAP undertaken in 2025 Review report received. Recommendations acted on. NES, MOA, Biosecurity NES, MOA To be sourced $100,000 Strong links are maintained to regional support and expertise to achieve effective and timely information exchange Continue partnerships with CROP Agencies and regional networks (PPPO, PIRAS, PAP Net, Birdlife Pacific, etc.) Discuss with SPREP the creation of a Cook Islands Pacific Invasive Learning Network (PILN) team Regular networking undertaken and updates on new technologies received Cook Island PILN team created in 2023 if agreement reached Records of information exchanges Listing with PILN NES, MOA, Biosecurity NES, SPREP, TIS To be sourced NES $50,000 A3. Legislation, Policy and Protocols OUTCOME 1.3: Appropriate legislation, policies, protocols and procedures are in place and operating, to underpin the effective management of invasive species. Biosecurity Regulatory Framework completed. Develop regulations identified under Biosecurity Act Regulations completed by 2021 Legislative record MOA, Biosecurity, SPC, FAO To be sourced $50,000 Develop or revise policies. Complete NBSAP and revised NESAF NBSAP & NESAF completed Strategy in place NES NES $80,000 Update biosecurity procedures manual Biosecurity procedures manual reviewed for both shipping and aircraft-related activities Biosecurity procedure manual reviewed as required Revised manual Biosecurity MOA, SPC, FAO $20,000 Maintain updates of biosecurity import specifications Review and update import specification requirements. Update border agencies and importers of any revised requirements Regular update of specifications, and meetings held with border agencies and importers. Importers updated and complies with import specification requirements Certification of imports covered under sanitary and phytosanitary Biosecurity, Customs, Importers MOA, MOA R2R $15,000 60 Outcomes & Actions Activities Target Means of Verification and Monitoring Frequency Responsibility Financing Costing estimate requirements updated Records of compliance and non-compliance with the requirements. Biosafety framework completed Review and endorse biosafety framework and carry out capacity building on this. 2025 Biosafety framework a endorsed Biosafety framework in place NES, MOA To be sourced $30,000 GUIDELINES - THEMATIC AREA B: PROBLEM DEFINITION, PRIORITISATION AND DECISION-MAKING B1. Baseline and Monitoring OUTCOME 2.1: Systems are in place to generate baseline information on the status and distribution of invasive species, detect changes, including range changes and emerging impacts. Carry out necessary surveys to identify full range of priority invasive species present on all islands and monitor their spread. Carry out invasive species stocktake of existing invasive species on most islands of the northern group GIS Mapping of distribution of invasive species on northern islands Surveys completed by 2022 Survey reports; distribution maps and information entered in database NES, MOA, TIS, NGO’s SPC $300,000 Carry out surveys for marine invasive at Rarotonga and Aitutaki ports. Surveys undertaken for Rarotonga and Aitutaki ports Survey report NES, MMR, TIS, SPREP, SPC SPC, SPREP $50,000 Identify and prioritise necessary surveys as new problems emerge or are detected through the use of GIS mapping as one of the tools Surveys undertaken as required GIS maps produced Survey reports and GIS maps NES, MOA, MMR To be sourced $50,000 Ensure appropriate data management and information systems are in place Support further development of Cook Islands Biodiversity Database. Database updated with invasive species information on an ongoing basis Invasive species in database content NHT, NES, MOA, TIS To be sourced $60,000 61 Outcomes & Actions Activities Target Means of Verification and Monitoring Frequency Responsibility Financing Costing estimate B2. Prioritisation OUTCOME 2.2: Effective systems are established and implemented to assess risk and prioritise invasive species for management. Maintain & enhance current risk assessment system & data management Biosecurity risk assessment profiling updated and inspection protocols are improved. Operational database systems in place to enhance biosecurity register and records. Regular inspection and reporting carried out Database up to date and reports developed. Report produced Database records & reports Biosecurity, SPC Biosecurity, SPC SPC, MOA $20,000 B3. Research on priorities OUTCOME 2.3: Knowledge is updated for priority invasive species, including species biology and impacts, and development of effective management techniques. Encourage research on priority species to assist in their management Promote local research Carry out research on management of priority invasive species Invasive species managed Research reports produced NHT, NES, MOH, MOA, TIS NES – IAS project, NHT, MOA, SPC, FAO $100,000 Ensure that staffs are familiar with the use of online systems to identify and obtain information on invasive species. Ensure key individuals utilise the Global Invasive Species Database http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/ and provide it with updates on invasive species in Cook Islands Provide key individuals with information on identification systems such as PestNet and PIER. Local experts making full use of databases and these are updated regularly with Cook Islands’ information Databases updated NES, MOA. Biosecurity, NHT SPREP, SPC, FAO $10,000 Carry out research on taro to address risk of taro leaf blight Carry out programme of breeding and selection to identify taro varieties resistant/tolerant to leaf blight Research identifies resistant/tolerant varieties by 2025 Research reports MOA SPC, MOA $50,000 GUIDELINES - THEMATIC AREA C: MANAGEMENT ACTION 62 Outcomes & Actions Activities Target Means of Verification and Monitoring Frequency Responsibility Financing Costing estimate C1. Biosecurity OUTCOME 3.1: Mechanisms are established to prevent the spread of invasive species across international borders and between the Pa Enua and main islands, quickly detect and respond to those that arrive. Strengthen international border control Strengthern partnership with agencies to enhance border control Partnerships and border control strengtherned Reports produced MOA, Biosecurity MOA, NZAID, FAO, SPC $200,000 Strengthen international border control – marine pathway Review risks of incursion due to ships, yachts and vaka from international ports traveling directly to Pa Enua Review conducted by 2023 and procedures amended as required Review report and amended procedures MOA, Biosecurity, OPM MOA, SRIC CC $50,000 Strengthen inter-island biosecurity procedures Advocate for revised financial allocation formula for outer islands biosecurity to reflect their front-line role in preventing invasive species reaching the country. Ensure that all containers and cargo from high-risk sources are inspected prior to leaving ports on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Implement plan for rat management on inter island shipping. Assess the opportunities for Island Councils to introduce by-laws to reduce risks posed by invasive species. Ensure the implementation of the Suwarrow Biosecurity Plan. Revised allocation achieved by 2022 Inspection of containers and cargo to Pa Enua Rat management plan in place by 2020 Assessment carried out in 2021 and invasive species highlighted in island bylaws by 2023 Full compliance with Suwarrow Biosecurity Plan Financial reports Inspection report produced Plan documentation Assessment report and bylaws Reports of compliance and plan breaches NES, MOA, Treasury, OPM MOA, OMIA Biosecurity, NES, TIS Biosecurity, OMIA Biosecurity, NES, OMIA, TIS MOA,OMIA, SRIC-CC, PEARL, GCF MOA, OMIA PEARL, GCF, PEARL, GCF MOA, FAO, SPC, PEARL, GCF NES, MOA, $500,000 Establish early detection and rapid response systems Endorse an Early Detection and Rapid Response Plan and carry out a simulation exercise. Ensure implementation of and compliance with Cook Islands Animal Health Emergency Response Plan. Plan endorsed and exercise carried out for Pa Enua (at least two Islands) Officers aware of duties and carrying out implementation of plan Store of emergency response equipment Plan and report of exercise Animal Health and Biosecurity reports Store established and NES, BIO, MOA, SPC, SPREP, DRM Biosecurity, MOA MOA, MMR, NES GEF-PAS IAS project To be sourced To be $50,000 63 Outcomes & Actions Activities Target Means of Verification and Monitoring Frequency Responsibility Financing Costing estimate established inventory maintained sourced Maintain or establish surveillance programmes. Maintain fruit-fly surveillance on all islands Fruit-fly surveillance traps sent to Pa Enua Surveillance Report produced Biosecurity, MOA Research Division, Island council, SPC MOA, SPC $50,000 Cary out ant surveillance at ports Surveillance carried out Report of ant surveillance Biosecurity, MOA – Research division, SPC, SPREP SPC, Landcare $200,000 Maintain current programme to manage disease-carrying mosquitoes on vessels travelling to Cook Islands Capacity Building carried out for Pa Enua Health officers on monitoring of vessels for mosquitoes and other regulated disease vectors Vessels traveling to the Cook Islands are inspected and meet the Biosecurity and Health requirements for vector borne diseases. Pa Enua health officers trained on vessel inspection Reports produced MOH, Biosecurity, Island council MOH, WHO, SRIC, NZAID $100,000 Maintain programme to detect any arrival of ship rats on Atiu, Aitutaki and any rat on Suwarrow Rat monitoring program continuously done on Atiu, Aitutaki and Suwarrow Awareness program carried out on ship rat prevention Awareness program carried out No ship rat presence on all three islands NHT, NES, Islands Council, TIS Islands Council, NHT $30,000 Pest Control Certification developed for vessels to the Pa Enua Introduction of Pest control certification to shipping to address pests such as rats, myna, ants etc. Mechanisms developed to ensure ships meet the biosecurity requirements and the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedure Shipping agent complies with certification requirement by 2022 Pest control certification by 2022 Record of ships in compliance HACCP log sheets MOA, MOT, MOH, MMR, NES MOA, MOT, MOH, MMR $30,000 Monitor and enforce ballast water and hull fouling rules Strengthen surveillance and compliance with ballast water and hull fouling rules and carry out capacity building for staff involved Ensure ballast water and hull fouling meets the requirements of the IMO relevant Conventions and domestic legislation. Ballast water and hull fouling strategies in place by 2020 Strategies endorsed MOT, Cook Is Ports Authority SPC, SPREP, MOT $100,000 The threats on the movement of Invasive species of major concern are captured To revise the Compliance and Enforcement work programmes and manual on EIA processes to capture the movement of new species introduced to the Cook Islands; Compliance work programmes and manual revised taking into consideration measures on new introduced specie and reducing the movements of invasive species Compliance monitoring report; Project Completion report NES, SPREP NES, SPREP $200,000 64 Outcomes & Actions Activities Target Means of Verification and Monitoring Frequency Responsibility Financing Costing estimate under the EIA processes Capacity building for all Rarotonga & Pa Enua compliance staff on invasive species identification, and threats; Strict monitoring of all approved projects. Well-informed staff on invasive species identification and threats Project monitoring in place 2022 Training records Monitoring reports C2. Management of established invasive species OUTCOME 3.2: The impacts of priority established invasive species are eliminated or reduced by eradicating or controlling the target species. Continue bio-control programme for priority weeds Monitor spread of bio-control agents already introduced. Monitoring of Biocontrol agents Biocontrol agents maintain their control of IS Programme and survey reports MOA - Research, Landcare Research, NZ MOA, SPC, Landcare Research, NZ $100,000 Carry out rat control and eradications Investigate feasibility and cost-benefit of eradicating Pacific rats from Takutea, Mitiaro, Palmerston Rat guards and baiting stations established in port warehouses on Rarotonga Inspect and audit compliance with rat management at port Feasibility assessment carried out in 2024 Shipping agents comply with rat management requirements by 2025 Report on inspection Feasibility report Report produced NES, TIS, Birdlife, Island Council, MOA MOA, CIPA, MOT, shipping companies and shipping agents MOA, PEARL, GCF $100,00 Feral pigs Develop options to reduce the impact of feral pigs on the Pa Enua including establishment of slaughtering units so animals can be processed and sold on Rarotonga Options developed by 2021 Review documentation MOA, Island Council(s) NES-Ridge to Reef, MOA, FAO, SPC $50,000 Feral goats Develop options to control goats on Pa Enua to protect habitats on the makatea including use of slaughtering units Options developed by 2021 Review documentation MOA, Island Council(s) NES-Ridge to Reef, MOA, FAO, SPC $50,000 Management of myna Carryout baseline survey and mapping of the two myna species on Rarotonga Survey carried out on Rarotonga by 2022 Maps produced on myna distribution by 2022 Survey report and maps produced NHT, TIS, NES, NHT, TIS, SPREP $50,000 Manage stick insects on Atiu Control and manage stick insects on the Island of Atiu Implement best practice to control stick Acceptable control mechanism initiated by 2022 Reports produced NHT, NES, MOA, island council NHT, NES, MOA, island councils, Landcare $50,000 65 Outcomes & Actions Activities Target Means of Verification and Monitoring Frequency Responsibility Financing Costing estimate insects on Atiu Research, SPC, SPREP Ant management Provide communities with advice to manage problem ants Regular surveillance for new ants around the port area Advice developed and widely circulated in 2020 New ants detected and eradicated Awareness materials Ant report produced NES, MOA, TIS MOA, NES $30,000 Control mosquito populations to reduce spread of disease Maintain current programme of Health Department including bi-annual community public health check (tutaka). Public Health Check programme delivered annually Programme reports MOH, NES, MOA, Island council MOH, NES, MOA, $500,000 Maintain community based weed control programmes Support control programme for cockleburr on Pukapuka Continue programme to eradicate red passionfruit on Mauke Establish/support programme to remove new plants of Mimosa invisa emerging on any other island Programme delivery continues 2025 onwards Programme delivery continues 2025 onwards Establish and deliver programme from 2025 onwards Programme reports Programme reports Programme reports NES, MOA NES, MOA NES, MOA To be sourced $145,000 Assess the Impacts of climate change on invasive species Commission a review of the likely implications of climate change on the distributions and impacts of invasive species in Cook Islands. Review commissioned in 2022 Review documents NES, SRIC, OPM OPM, SRIC CC $15,000 Investigate options for managing Singapore daisy (Wedelia triloba), a species that thrives in dry conditions Assess options for managing Wedelia on Rarotonga and Aitutaki to reduce its spread, including use of herbicide GIS mapping of Wedelia distribution Develop awareness to inform the public not to introduce Wedelia to other islands. Study and trials undertaken in 2025 Wedelia GIS map produced Awareness materials developed by 2025 Study and trial reports Awareness Materials MOA, NES MOA, NES $30,000 C3. Restoration OUTCOME 3.3: Following invasive species management the best methods are determined and implemented to facilitate effective restoration of native biodiversity or recovery of other values. Biodiversity/plant restoration Re-plant areas with native trees as appropriately where weeds have been removed such as java plum, acacia and guava Areas where weeds have been removed or controlled are appropriately replanted. Project reports NES, SPREP, To be sourced $100,000 66 Key to abbreviations BIO Biosecurity Service, Cook Islands CIPA Cook Islands Ports Authority FAO UN Food & Agricultural Organisation GEF-PAS IAS Global Environment Facility Pacific Alliance for Sustainability. Prevention, Control and Management of Invasive Alien Species in the Pacific Islands IMO International Maritime Organisation MMR Ministry of Marine Resources MOA Ministry of Agriculture MOA-R2R Ministry of Agriculture – Ridge to Reef MOE Ministry of Education MOH Ministry of Health MOT Ministry of Transport NES National Environment Service NISSAP National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan NHT Natural Heritage Trust PEARL Pa Enua Actions for Resilience and Livelihood (Climate Change Adaptation Program) R2R Ridge to Reef OMIA Office of the Minister for Island Administrations, Cook Islands OPM Office of the Prime Minister, Cook Islands SPC Secretariat of the Pacific Commission SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme SRIC-CC Southwest Research and Information Centre – Climate Change TIS Te Ipukarea Society WHO World Health Organization 67 9.0 MONITORING & EVALUATION The Biodiversity Steering Committee will act as a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure that the NISSAP progresses to the common goal and actions, and that these are achieved in a timely manner. The roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder for the implementation of this strategy are clear. This flow diagram illustrates the reporting process for the NISSAP. The Biodiversity Steering Committee will appoint the agency/(s) to be secretariat for reporting on the progress in achieving the NISSAP goals and actions. In turn, the secretariat will organise an annual review of progress on implementing the Action Plan. The monitoring and evaluation mechanism will provide an opportunity for feedback on progress on the implementation of the NISSAP. It will also help to build capacity whereby those utilising the system should benefit by increasing their competence and be able to identify and develop improvements to the monitoring and evaluation framework. In addition, other target recipients of the NISSAP such as community groups and non-government organization should also benefit by increasing their understanding of the importance of monitoring and evaluation as a requirement of the development planning and implementation process. Ministries and agencies are encouraged to use the targets and means of verification as the basis for internal monitoring and management. Biodiversity Committee Government Agencies NGO Communities National & Regional Plans secretariat 68 Non-government and community groups are encouraged to implement some of the activities and to provide updates on the progress of their work to any of the relevant government agencies so these can be captured into the reporting system. They are also encouraged to provide and participate in the national reporting system of the NISSAP. 69 References Biosecurity New Zealand. 2008. Bio-control for Glassy-winged Sharpshooter in Cook Islands. Biosecurity Magazine 85: 12-14. Brook, F.J. 2010. Coastal landsnail fauna of Rarotonga, Cook Islands: systematics, diversity, biogeography, faunal history, and environmental influences. Tuhinga 23: 161-252. Diggles, B., Hine, P.M. & Carson, J. 2007. The Cook Islands experience: pearl oyster health investigations, pp. 71-85. In: M.G. Bondad-Reantaso, S.E. Gladdery and F.C.J. Berthe. Pearl oyster health management: a manual. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper. No. 503. Rome, FAO. 120pp. FAO 2010. Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles - The Cook Islands. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, 25pp. Government of Cook Islands. 2002. Cook Islands Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. 80pp. Government of Cook Islands. 2009. Cook Islands National Disaster Risk Management Arrangements. 44pp. Government of Cook Islands. 2013. Cook Islands National Action Programme For Sustainable Land Management. National Environment Service and Ministry of Infrastructure and Planning. 84pp. Hunter, D., Pouono, K. & Semisi, S. 1998. The impact of Taro Leaf Blight in the Pacific Islands with special reference to Samoa. Journal of South Pacific Agriculture 5: 44-56. ISSG. 2014. Compilation and Review of Invasive Alien Species Information for Cook Islands. Unpubl. report for the National Environment Service. Invasive Species Specialist Group, Pacific Regional Office, Auckland, NZ. Lowe, S.; Browne, M.; Boudjelas, S. & De Poorter M. 2004. 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Species: A selection from the Global Invasive Species Database. Updated & Reprinted 2004. ISSG, Auckland, New Zealand. McCormack, G. 2007. Dengue and mosquito control on Rarotonga. Unpubl. report, Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust. http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org McCormack, G. 2015. Report on the study of Culicoides “sandflies” on Ootu, Aitutaki and on Mitiaro. Unpubl. report, Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust. 6pp. Munro, E. 2015. Rat Eradication on the Island of Suwarrow. Unpubl. report of National Environment Service. 11pp. Munro, E. & Kaokao, B. 2015. Control of red passion fruit (Passiflora rubra) on Mauke. Unpubl. report of National Environment Service. 12pp. National Environment Service. 2007. Cook Islands Thematic Assessment Report, National Capacity Self-Assessment. National Environment Service, Government of Cook islands, Rarotonga. 65pp. 70 National Environment Service. 2011. Cook Islands 4 th National Report to the Convention of Biological Diversity. National Environment Service, Government of Cook islands, Rarotonga. 126pp. O‟Dowd, D.J., Green, P.T. & Lake, P.S. 2003. Invasional „meltdown‟ on an oceanic island. Ecology Letters 6: 812-817. Maja Poeschko, M. 2010. Fighting back against thrips. Cook Islands News, October 2010. Parkes, J. 2006. Protection of Tanga’eo, the endemic Mangaia kingfisher (Todiramphus rufficollaris) from common myna (Acridotheres tristis). Contract Report for Tapororoanga Ipukurea Soceity. Landcare Research, Lincoln, New Zealand. 28pp. Rodda, G.H. & Savidge, J.A. 2007. Biology and impacts of Pacific Island invasive species. 2. Boiga irregularis, the brown tree snake (Reptilia: Colubridae). Pacific Science 61: 307-324. Space, J.C. & Flynn, T. 2002. Report to the Government of the Cook Islands on Invasive Plant Species of Environmental Concern. Unpubl. report of U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Hawaii, USA. 146pp. SPREP. 2009. Guidelines for invasive species management in the Pacific: a Pacific strategy for managing pests, weeds and other invasive species. SPREP, Apia, Samoa. 20pp. Wirth, W.W. & Arnaud, P.H. 1969. Polynesian biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera : Ceratopogonidae). Pacific Insects 11(3-4): 507-520. 71 Acknowledgements The National Environment Service – Invasive Alien Species Project gratefully acknowledges the many government agencies in particular the Ministry of Agriculture, non-government organizations and the Pa Enua who shared their experiences and contributed information to the development of this Kaveinga Paruru a te Kuki Airani no te au tu Katiri Kikino (National Invasive Species Strategy Action Plan (NISSAP)) 2019 – 2025. This document is testimony that the partnerships among various agencies are strong. We acknowledge the valuable contribution of the Biodiversity Steering Committee for their support and commitment in the development and formulation of this document. Appreciation goes to Dr David Butler, who facilitated the development of this strategy and action plan and Elizabeth Munro who assisted in the development of this document. We also acknowledge the contribution of members of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Biosecurity and the National Environment Service staff. The development of the Kaveinga Paruru a te Kuki Airani no te au tu Katiri Kikino was made possible through financial assistance from the Global Environment Fund (GEF), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), (SPREP) and the Cook Islands Government. We look forward to working closely with all of you in implementing the Kaveinga Paruru a te Kuki Airani no te au tu Katiri Kikino and continue to find ways to protect the Cook Islands from accidental and intentional introduction of invasive alien species and ways to minimise and eradicate invasive species that are now present in the Cook Islands. Meitaki Maata e Kia Manuia 72 Annex 1: Regional and international organisations and databases related to invasive species management. (Source: Prepared by ISSG for Kingdom of Tonga‟s draft NISSAP (2013)). Secretariat of the Pacific Commission (SPC) SPC helps Pacific Island people respond effectively to the challenges they face and make informed decisions about their future and the future they wish to leave for the generations that follow. Go to the website for a description of the core business of each of SPC‟s Divisions and more detailed information about how they can help.<http://www.spc.int/> Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) SPREP works towards a Goal that, by 2015, all Members will have improved their sustainable management of island and ocean ecosystems and biodiversity, in support of communities, livelihoods, and national sustainable development objectives, through an improved understanding of ecosystem-based management and implementation of National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans. The SPREP Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Strategic Priority will be delivered through four main priority thematic areas: Invasive Species, Island and Oceanic Ecosystems, Threatened and Migratory Species, and Regional and International Instruments <http://sprep.org/Biodiversity-and-Ecosystems-Management/bem-overview> Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRNC) Formed in 1997 at the request of Pacific Island Countries and Territories, PIRNC serves as a forum whereby organisations working on nature conservation in the Pacific can improve their collaboration and coordination to increase effective conservation action. In particular it is the coordination mechanism for the implementation of the Action Strategy for Nature Conservation in the Pacific Island Region 2008-2012. The Action Strategy was endorsed by SPREP members, and highlights the priority concerns for conservation in the Pacific region as well as outlining a roadmap for achieving the key goals. It is to be reviewed in December, 2013. <http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/oceania/roundtable/> PIRNC has a number of Working Groups, one of which addresses invasive species; the Pacific Invasives Partnership (PIP). PIP is the umbrella regional coordinating body for agencies working on invasive species in more than one country of the Pacific and promotes coordinated planning and assistance from regional and international agencies to meet the invasive species management needs of the countries and territories of the Pacific. <http://sprep.org/Pacific-Invasives-Partnership/invasive-partnerships> Two regional programmes operate with the guidance and support of PIP: Pacific Invasives Initiative (PII) PII builds the invasive species management capacity of Pacific island countries and territories by providing technical support, training, assistance with proposal and project design, and links to expertise.<http://pacificinvasivesinitiative.org/pii/index.html> Pacific Invasives Learning Network (PILN) PILN is a professional network for invasive species workers in the Pacific and organises skills and learning exchanges, workshops and meetings, and facilitates multi-sector invasives teams in countries.<http://sprep.org/Pacific-Invasives-Learning-Network-PILN/piln-welcome> International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) - Oceania Regional Office http://www.spc.int/ http://sprep.org/Biodiversity-and-Ecosystems-Management/bem-overview http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/oceania/roundtable/ http://sprep.org/Pacific-Invasives-Partnership/invasive-partnerships http://pacificinvasivesinitiative.org/pii/index.html http://sprep.org/Pacific-Invasives-Learning-Network-PILN/piln-welcome 73 IUCN Oceania is working with like-minded organisations to contribute to the conservation of species and ecosystems in the Oceania region. Increasing awareness about the importance of species and the threats they are facing is crucial. The concept of “Investing in Nature” is central to this approach: too often, humans take other species and their day-to-day uses for granted. It is vital that investments in natural resources promote sustainable long-term use, management and conservation of the species we utilise in our everyday lives. <http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/oceania/priorities/> Hawai`i-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment Hawai`i-Pacific Weed Risk Assessment (HPWRA) provides a free service. Professional botanists use published information to predict whether plants have a low-risk or high-risk of becoming invasive in Hawai`i or similar Pacific islands. The information is available on the Plant Pono website <http://plantpono.org/hpwra.php>. (HPWRA receives funding from the Hawai`i Invasive Species Council <http://www.hawaiiinvasivespecies.org/hisc/> and Plant Pono received funding for website development from the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program <http://www.kaulunani.org/>) International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Species Survival Commission (SSC), Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) aims to reduce threats to natural ecosystems and the native species they contain by increasing awareness of invasive alien species, and of ways to prevent, control or eradicate them. ISSG is a major source of information on invasive species either through the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) or by direct contact. <http://www.issg.org/about.htm> Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) The GISD focuses on alien species known to have negative impacts on native biodiversity and ecosystems. It features over 850 species profiles of some of the most harmful species. While there are taxon and geographical biases on selection of species (due to funding sources and priority themes) that are featured on the GISD, the Oceania region is well represented with a large number of harmful species listed. Other information extracted from the GISD included information on taxonomy, species organism type, common names, habitat type, biome, biostatus information and information on pathways of introduction and spread of these species. Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) The PIER database is focused on plant species that are known to have been introduced to the Pacific region including the Pacific Rim. Information extracted from PIER included biostatus of alien species at island level, common names in Pacific languages, habitat information and most importantly links to risk assessments conducted for the Pacific region. CABI Invasive Species Compendium (ISC) CABI ISC is an encyclopaedic type of database on invasive alien species that impact biodiversity and livelihoods. CABI maintain compendia on Crop Protection, Forestry, Aquaculture and Animal Health and Production. The CABI ISC lists invasive species that impact biodiversity as well as pests of crops and pathogens. The focus for this project was on species that are known to impact biodiversity and ecosystems. FishBase & SeaLifeBase FishBase and SeaLifeBase are databases focused on all fish species known to science. Data and information included in FishBase includes ecological information, information on traits and distribution at country and ecosystem level including in the introduced range of fish species in the http://www.iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/oceania/priorities/ http://plantpono.org/hpwra.php http://www.hawaiiinvasivespecies.org/hisc/ http://www.kaulunani.org/ http://www.issg.org/about.htm 74 aquatic system (both marine and freshwater). SeaLifeBase consists of similar information on marine species. Annex 2: Priority invasive species of Cook Islands Species Comments Source Mammals Ship Rat Rattus rattus Widespread threat to birds, invertebrates and food crops. Kakerori survival on Rarotonga dependent on rat control. Need to prevent rat reaching Atiu. 2 Pacific Rat Rattus exulans A particular threat to ground-nesting seabirds on the northern atolls, hence its recent eradication from Suwarrow Feral pigs Sus scrofa A threat to food crop plantations and gardens, particularly on Atiu, Ma'uke, Mitiaro and Takutea. Also a predator of coconut crabs and turtle eggs on some islands. 2 Feral cats Likely to threaten survival or establishment of burrow-nesting seabird colonies on Rarotonga and Atiu. Feral goats A particular problem on Atiu where they have removed most of forest understorey and reduced medicinal plants and grass diversity. (Mostly not feral as such, but owned and left to wander). Birds Indian myna Subject to an eradication programme on Atiu. Not currently recommended for control/eradication on other islands where it is established. Detect early and eradicate if arrives on a new island. Jungle myna Recently arrived on Rarotonga and not anticipated that it will cause problems but should be monitored. Detect early and eradicate if arrives on a new island. Plants Mile-a-minute Mikania micrantha Identified as a pest interfering with agriculture and native forest areas on Rarotonga. Also found on Aitutaki, Mitiaro, Atiu, Mauke. Biocontrol programme in early stages. 1,2,3,4 Lantana – Lantana camara Serious pest on Atiu due to its prickles and poisonous foliage. Subject to ongoing biological control. 1,2 Mimosa invisa Giant sensitive weed Found only on Aitutaki where a psyllid was introduced for biological control with initial success. Subject to ongoing biological control, but needs programme to remove new plants emerging from seed bank. 1,2 Pikikaa - Mimosa pudica Sensitive weed Identified as a problem by communities on Mitiaro where it occupies four small areas. Spraying with herbicide is recommended. 1 Grand balloon vine Cardiospermum grandiflorum Overgrowing native plants on Rarotonga. Bring into current biocontrol programme as scheduled. 1,2,4 Java plum Syzygium cumini Invasive on Atiu and Mauke where it was introduced as a wind-break 1,2 Cockleburr Xanthium pungens Maintain community control programme. Bring into current biocontrol programme as scheduled. 3,4 Merremia peltata Present on Rarotonga, Atiu, Mitiaro and Aitutaki. Bring into current biocontrol programme as scheduled. 2,3,4 Merremia spp (4 species including M. tuberose Wood Rose) Survey and monitor spread. 2 Acacia mangium & A. auriculiformis Survey and map distribution. Assess threat to native ecosystems and farming and investigate options to use the timber and plant natives for land stability. 2 Red passionfruit Passiflora rubra Subject to control programme on Mauke. Bring into current biocontrol project as scheduled. 3,4 African tulip tree - Spathodea campanulata Bring into current biocontrol programme as scheduled. 3,4 Strawberry guava Psidium cattleianum Bring into current biocontrol programme as scheduled. 3,4 Dodder Cascuta sp. Present on Rarotonga and subject to research on control methods White ginger Hedychium coronarium Infestation on top of Te Kou mountain. Review threat to other mountain areas. 3 Para grass Urochloa mutica Agriculture pest on Rarotonga – arrived Tuapapa with tomato stock 75 Invertebrates Fruit flies – Bactrocera spp. Ongoing surveillance for new incursions – particularly Oriental and Queensland fruit flies. Ongoing control by growers of species present. 2 Glassy-winged sharpshooter Homalodisca coagulata Subject to ongoing biocontrol on Rarotonga. Awareness to detect & eradicate if arrives on other islands. Cuban laurel thrip Gynaikothrips ficorum Maintain monitoring of biocontrol programme. No-see-‘em biting-midge (sand flies) – Culicoides belkini Continue research on Aitutaki aimed at minimising impact, including testing repellents. Apply lessons learned on Mitiaro also. 2 White-fly spp. Continue research and investigate biocontrol. Pesticide resistance developing. Leaf miner spp. Investigate whether earlier biocontrol agent is still present. Tropical fire ant (Solenopsis germinate) Survey to assess distribution and impact (on people and on crops through encouraging mealy bugs which increase sooty mould); investigate opportunities to control. Yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) Survey to assess distribution and impacts on Rarotonga. Assess need and options for control. Disease-carrying mosquitoes – e.g. Aedes aegypti Ongoing programme of periodic inspections and control to reduce numbers. Pest and disease threats to honey bees Investigate if problems of reduced pollination due to reduce honeybee numbers are confirmed by growers. Marine organisms Crown of thorns starfish Acanthaster planci Control in the event of periodic outbreaks when its numbers build up enough to damage coral reefs. 1 Code of source: 1. 4 th National report to CBD - identified as „most serious‟ invasive species by communities during NBSAP consultations. Comments from NES (2004) 2. 2004 5-island survey of Anau Matarangi (NES 2004) 3. Top 15 weeds as candidates for biocontrol (2009 biocontrol workshop by Landcare Research) 4. Top 8 weeds chosen for biocontrol (2009 biocontrol workshop by Landcare Research) 76 Annex 3: Pa Enua detailed information by island The bulk of the Action Plan was developed during workshops and meetings with Government officials and NGO‟s based in Rarotonga. In order to capture the priorities of the other islands, a questionnaire was circulated to these with the assistance of Pa Enua Division, Office of the Prime Minister using a list developed from the Cook Islands Biodiversity Database in June 2015 using the search option „INVASIVES – most serious‟. The island entries are coded as follows:  No – not known from the island  Blank - assumed that this species is not known from the island  Yes/No – present on the island/not considered a problem  Yes/Yes - present on the island/considered a problem Table 5: List of priority invasive species on islands Type Scientific Name English Name Maori Name Aitutaki Atiu Mangaia Manihiki Mauke Mitiaro Palmerston Pukapuka Rakahanga Fern Nephrolepis saligna Samoan Sword-fern Maile Laulikiliki Yes/No No No Yes/No Yes/No Shrub Ardisia elliptica Inkberry Venevene Tinitō Yes/No Yes/No Located in very small amount in Mapumai & Areora Yes/No Yes?/No No Yes/No Growing mostly around pig pens Shrub Triumfetta rhomboidea Triumfetta Weed Piripiri Yes/No Yes/No Yes/Yes growing wild every where Yes/No Yes/No No Yes/Yes Covering all grassy areas on the main land Shrub Sida rhombifolia Broom Weed Purūmu Yes/No Yes/Yes Problem to agricult ural lands Yes/No Yes/Yes very hard to get rid Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/Yes grows in swampy areas especially where taro is Yes/Yes Growing in all taro & puraka swamps http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6436 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6436 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5762 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5762 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6761 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6761 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6652 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6652 77 planted Shrub Leucaena leucocephala Leucaena Nītō Yes/Yes. Large problem as spread over farmland abandoned by growers Yes/Yes Not a problem now but could become one. Found at airport, Mapumai &Taunga nui Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/No No No Shrub Mimosa invisa Giant Sensitive weed Pikika„a Papa„ā Yes/Yes n/n No No No Shrub Mimosa pudica Sensitive Weed Rākau Pikika„a Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes very hard to get rid Yes/Yes overgrow s some small plants Yes/Yesma jor problem in plantation areas No No Shrub Senna obtusifolia Sicklepod Pī„ Aungakino Yes/No No Yes/Yes spread by seeds Yes/No No Yes/No Shrub Eugenia uniflora Surinam Cherry Venevene Yes/No Yes/No Grows where land not cultivate but could become problem Yes/No Yes/? Yes/Yes No No No Shrub Tithonia diversifolia Tree Marigold PuaRenga Yes/Yes Spread very rapidly over island Yes/No No Yes/No No No Shrub Xanthium purgens Cockleburr No No No Unsure Shrub Ludwigia octovalvis Willow Primrose Tiēmu Yes/No No Yes/No No Yes/No No No http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6323 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6323 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6399 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6400 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6400 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6645 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6645 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6134 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6134 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6741 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6741 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6790 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6790 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6343 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6343 78 Shrub Clerodendrum chinense Honolulu Rose Pītate māma„o Yes/No Yes/No No Yes/Yes over grows any small plants Yes/No No Yes/No Shrub Lantana camara Lantana Tātarāmoa No/No Yes/Yes Invades arable land & habitat for feral pigs Yes/Yes difficult to eradicate on farm lands No Yes?/Yes problematic in crop areas No No Shrub Cestrum nocturnum Night blooming Cestrum Tiare Ariki va„ine Yes/No Yes No Yes/No No No Shrub Indigofera suffruticosa Indigo „Initiko Yes/No Yes Yes/No No Yes/Yes No No No Vine Calopogonium mucunoides Calopo Yes/No No No No Unsure Vine Passiflora maliformis Hard Passionfruit Pārapōtini „Enua Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No No Yes/No Yes/No No No Vine Passiflora rubra Red Passionfruit Pōkutekute No/No Yes/No No Yes/No Yes/No No No Vine Puerariapha seoloides Tropical Kudzu Kūtū Yes/No Yes/Yes no. Will become problem if allowed to invade Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No No No Vine Centrosema pubescens Centro Butterfly Pea Piriarero Yes/No No No No No Tree Pimenta racemosa Bay-rum Tree Yes/No Unsure Yes/No No Unsure Tree Psidium cattleianum Red Strawberry Guava Tūava Papa„ā Yes/No Yes/Yes Will become problem Yes/No No Yes/No Yes/No No No http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5951 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5951 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6310 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6310 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5910 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5910 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6261 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6261 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5863 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5863 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6487 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6487 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6489 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6489 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6591 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6591 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5907 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5907 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6538 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6538 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6581 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6581 79 if allowed to invade Tree Psidium guajava Common Guava Tūava Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/No Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/No Yes/Yes Becoming a problem Yes/No only 4 trees growing on Motu Kotawa Yes/No Less than 5 trees on main land Tree Syzygium cumini Jambolan Pistati Yes/Yes Spreading rapidly over island. Difficult to bulldoze & clear land Yes/Yes Huge problem on agricultu ral lands Yes/No No Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Overtaking crop areas No No Tree Cecropia pachystachya Cecropia Rau Māniota Yes/No Unsure No Yes?/No No No Tree Acacia crassicarpa Crassicarpa Ākasia No/No Yes/yes Fast growing, seeds easily spread & hard to control Yes/Yes No Yes/Yes No No No Tree Adenanthera pavonina Red-bead Tree Mata Kōviriviri Yes/No Yes/No Could be problem if spreads to agricult ural lands Yes/No No Yes/Yes Yes/No No No Tree Spathodea campanulata African Tulip-tree Kō„ī„ī Yes/Yes. Very invasive & real concern if it establishes Yes/Yes Hard to control but not many trees No No No No http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6582 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6582 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6697 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6697 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5898 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5898 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5684 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5684 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5700 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5700 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6668 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6668 80 on hill terrain that cannot be bulldozed. Tree Falcataria moluccana Albizia „Ārapitia Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/No No Yes/Yes cover a large area of plantat ion Yes/No No No Tree Syzygium jambos Rose Apple Ka„ika Papa„ā Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No No Yes/Yes Yes/No No No Vine Cardiospermu m grandiflorum Grand Balloon Vine No No Yes/No Yes/No No Vine Merremia peltata Peltate Morning glory Kūrima Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Fast growing & killing trees No Yes/Yes getting serious Yes/No No Vine Cuscuta campestris Dodder Tīaea Unsure No Yes/No No No Herb subshrub Stachytarpheta cayennensis Blue Rat's tail Tiāki Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No No No Herb Hyptis pectinata Comb Hyptis Miri Tita Yes/Yes Weed of agricultu ral lands, hard to control Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No No No Herb Shrub Ocimum gratissimum Wild Basil Miri Taratoni Yes/No Yes/No No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No Herb Desmodiuminc anum Spanish Clover Ngātoro Unsure No Yes/Yes problematic in cultivated areas No No Herb Bidens pilosa Beggar's-tick Piripiri Kerekere Yes/No Yes/No Yes/Yes sticks to clothes Yes/No Yes/Yes nuisance in planting areas Yes/Yes Constant weeding & burning keeps Yes/Yes A noxious weed No http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6477 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6477 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6698 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6698 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5875 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5875 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5875 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6387 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6387 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6009 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6009 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6679 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6679 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6258 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6258 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6448 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6448 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6050 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6050 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5818 81 it at bay Herb Elephantopus spicatus False Elephant's foot Tapuae „Erepani Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/No Yes/Yes Nuisance in vegetable gardens & crop areas No No Vine Mikania micrantha Mile-a minute Weed Pōkutekute Teatea Yes/Yes Yes/Yes No Yes/No No Yes/No Yes/No No No Grass Arundo donax Giant Reed Unsure No No No Grass Brachiaria mutica Para Grass Mauku Puakatoro Yes/Yes Yes/Yes hard to control on Agricultu re land Yes/No No Yes/No No No Grass Cenchrus echinatus Burr Grass Piripiri Yes/Yes Yes/Yes grows fast & seeds easily spread Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Spreading and very difficult to control Yes/Yes spread easily, problematic & unmanageble Yes/Yes found mostly in the village area & the road side Bamboo Phyllostachys bissetii Bisset's Bamboo Ko„e Tiāpāni Unsure Yes/Yes fast growing & hard to control Yes/Yes Overtaking arable land Unsure Yes/Yes slowly spreadin g & covering a huge area Yes/No No No Grass Sorghum bicolordrumm ondii Sudan Grass Tarapī Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/No No Yes/Yes seeds carried by tractor from plot to plot Yes/Yes No No Herb Hedychium coronarium White Ginger Kōpuī Teatea Yes/No Yes/No Yes/No No Yes/No No No Mite Phyllocoptruta oleivora Citrus Rust Mite Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Unsure Yes/Yes large no. of shrubs & trees affected No Unsure http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6577 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6577 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6397 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6397 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5771 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5833 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5833 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5904 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=5904 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6523 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6523 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6666 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6666 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6666 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6198 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6198 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9294 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9294 82 Centipede Scolopendra subspinipes Brown Centipede Veri Tara Yes/ Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/No Yes/No Kept in check by chickens Yes/No Yes/Yes usually enters the house during rainy nites Mosquito Aedes aegypti Dengue Mosquito Yes/ Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes?/Yes No Yes/Yes serious only at time of dengue fever Yes/Yes Occasional outbreaks after heavy rain No Yes/Yes Worst disease outbreak since 1980 Mosquito Aedes polynesiensis Polynesian Mosquito Namu Tore Yes/ Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes?/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Occasional outbreaks after heavy rain Yes/Yes Yes/Yes-No usually found at nite after2/3 days rain House Fly Musca domestica Housefly Rango Yes/ Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes When food is plenty Yes/Yes House Fly Musca sorbens Skin Fly Yes/ Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Fruit Fly Bactrocera melanotus Cook Islands Fruitfly Ongaonga Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/No Minimal planting of food crops & vegetables Yes/Yes No Fruit Fly Bactrocera xanthodes Pacific Fruitfly Ongaonga Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes No No Blow Fly Chrysomya megacephala Latrine Blowfly RangoAui ko Yes/ Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/Yes-No Biting Midge Culicoides belkini No-see-'em Biting Midge Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Unsure Reports of a bug biting but unable to see No Bug Homalodiscac oagulata Glassy winged Sharpshooter Unsure No Unsure Unsure No Thrip Gynaikothrips ficorum Cuban laurel thrip Yes/ Yes? Unsure Yes/No Thrip Selenothripsru brocinctus red-banded thrip Yes/ Yes? Yes/Yes sever effect on vegetables No Moth Agonoxena Coconut Yes/ Yes/Yes Yes/No Yes/No Unsure Yes/Yes Yes/No Yes/No http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9071 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9071 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9413 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9414 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9414 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9196 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9196 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=14243 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=14243 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=7266 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=7266 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9426 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9426 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9197 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9197 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=13791 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=13791 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=13940 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=13940 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=13794 83 argaula Flat-Moth Becomes huge problem when numbers exceed that of its parasite Under control Appearing other motu, Serious threat that needs eliminating Wasp Polistesolivac eus Yellow Paper-Wasp Rango Patia Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes Yes/Yes Yes/No No No Sea-star Acanthasterpl anci Crown-of Thorns Taramea Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Unsure Yes/No No Yes/No Present but scattered & isolated Yes/Yes Decimate corals Yes/Yes Found once every 5-10 years Land Mammal Mus musculus House Mouse Kiore Yes/Yes Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Large nos. on motus (Cooks) Yes/Yes Destroys coconuts, taro & other fruits Yes/No Very few on main land Land Mammal Rattus exulans Pacific Rat Kiore Toka Yes/Yes Yes/Yes A pest that attacks human food & fruits Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Large nos. on motus (Cooks) No No Land Mammal Rattus norvegicus Brown Rat Kiore Toka Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Unsure No No Land Mammal Rattus rattus Ship Rat Kiore Toka Unsure No Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Unsure No No Land Mammal Sus scrofa Feral pig Puaka Yes/Yes Yes/Yes pest to agricultu re crops & damage roads Yes/Yes Yes/Yes wanderig pigs is the number one problem on Tukao Yes/Yes destroyin g root crops & plantatio ns Yes/Yes damages crops & vegetable gardens Yes/Yes destroys taro plantation & uproot Banana trees if not kept in pens Yes/Yes Destroy taro plantations Land Mammal Capra hircus Feral goat Puakani‟o Yes/Yes Yes/Yes pest to agricultu re crops Yes/No No Yes/Yes Yes/Yes damages crops & vegetable No Yes/No Only 4 present http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=13794 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9369 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=9369 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6919 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=6919 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=8602 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=8745 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=8746 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=8746 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=8747 84 & damages to land prone erosion gardens Land Mammal Felis catus Feral cat Kiore Ngiao Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes killing new born chicks Yes/Yes Bird Acridotheres tristis Common Myna Manu Kavamani Yes/Yes Yes/No Close to eradicati on Yes/Yes No Yes/Yes No No No http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=8262 http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=8262 85 Table 6: Summary of priority species identified during Pa Enua questionnaire survey Island Priority species community areas Priority species Agricultural areas Priority species – Motu (islets) Aitutaki Mile a minute Tree marigold Johnson grass Mile a minute Tree marigold Morning glory Jambolan Johnson grass Lucaena Atiu Fly (Rango tari one – Sceliphron spp. mud carrying wasp) Yellow paper wasp Coconut termite (Neotermes rainbowi) Housefly Mosquitoes Fruit piercing moth Aphids Jambolan Feral pigs Acacia Feral cat Pacific rat Feral pigs Coconut flat moth Ship rats Mangaia Dengue mosquito Wasp Centipede Sensitive weeds False elephant foot Bissets bamboo Feral pigs Feral goats Rats Fruit fly Mitiaro No-see-em biting midge Housefly Polynesian mosquito Latrine blowfly Feral pigs Rodents Sensitive weed (Mimosa pudica) Jambolan (pistati) Burr grass Morning Glory Dodder Sudan grass False elephant foot Bissets bamboo Manihiki Feral pigs Flies Rats Piripiri (Triumfetta weed) Purumu (Broom) Centipede Feral pigs Piripiri Purumu Mauke Rats Feral pigs Java plum Acacia Feral goats Pukapuka Feral Pigs Piripiri Pigs Piripiri Rakahanga Flies Mosquitoes White-fly Feral pigs Piripiri Feral pigs Purumu White-fly Palmerston (Areas not distinguished) Common guava Coconut moth Piripiri Beggar‟s tick Red-banded thrip Citrus rust mite Rats Feral cats Polynesian mosquito Housefly Fruit fly 86 Table 7: Information relevant to inter-island biosecurity. Island Popn (2011) 2 NES Agriculture (Biosecurity trained) Marine Customs Area (ha) Aitutaki 1771 2 3 (2 with some training) 3 1 1805 Mangaia 562 8 (1 trained and done some training for others) 1 N 5180 Mauke 300 1 4 (none with recent training) 1 N 1842 Atiu 468 1 6 (1 trained who has trained others) 1 Police 2693 Mitiaro 189 1 2 plus fieldworkers? (One trained) 1 N 2228 Palmerston 60 1 N 405 Pukapuka 451 3 Police 506 Penrhyn 213 3 Police 984 Manihiki 238 1 5 Police 544 Rakahanga 77 1 N 405 Nassau 73 2 N 121 Manuae 0 617 Suwarrow 0 Seasonal rangers – how many, when? 40 Takutea (22km from Atiu) 0 122 2 Note: populations on these islands are generally decreasing over time, with the population on Rarotonga showing a corresponding increase. 87 Annex 4: Attendees at NISSAP development workshops Date : Wednesday 1 st July 2015 Time : 8am – 3pm Venue : New Hope Church Hall Name Organization Contact Hon Kiriau Turepu Minister of Environment Vaitoti Tupa Director - NES Vaitoti.tupa@cookislands.gov.ck Pavai Taramai MoA ptaramai@agriculture.gov.ck Avaiki Aperau Retired Agriculture officer 72587 Teuanuku Koroa Mangaia Agriculture officer 20031 Nooroa Tokari MoA 28711 Joseph Brider NES Joseph.brider@cookislands.gov.ck Emily Onufer Te Ipukarea Society Emily.onufer@richmond.edu Ngatoko Ngatoko Director – Biosecurity nngatoko@agriculture.gov.ck Fred Charlie Aitutaki – Agriculture officer 31267/55248 Tereinga Maoate MoA 28710 Lydia Marsh BTIB lydia.marsh@cookislands.gov.ck Liam Kokaua TIS liamkokaua@hotmail.co.nz David Brundell - david@gardenzainparadise.com Dr Mat Purea HOM – MoA Mat.purea@hotmail.com Gerald McCormack CINHT gerald@nature.gov.ck Maara Tairi Atiu Agriculture officer agri07@atiu.gov.ck Tokai Ngaoire Mitiaro Agriculture officer 76767 Maja Poeschko MoA 28711 Kelvin Passfield TIS k.passfield@tiscookislands.org Tiria Rere MoA 28711 Dorothy Solomona MMR d.solomona@mmr.gov.ck Otheniel Tangianau Pa Enua – OPM Otheniel.tangianau@cookislands.gov.ck Basilio Kaokao NES 58025 Dan-Olaf Rasmussen NES Olaf.rasmussn@cookislands.gov.ck Reboama Samuel RR682 682downsouth@gmail.com Hilary Ayton MMR 77365 Brian Taire MoA briantairea@agriculture.gov.ck Matthew Rima NES matthew.rima@cookislands.gov.ck Moana Tetauru MoA moana.tetauru@cookislands.gov.ck Maru MoA Elizabeth Munro NES Elizabeth.munro@cookislands.gov.ck Dr Dave Butler Consultant d.butler@xtra.co.nz James Heather Planter Tetupu Apera MoA Louisa Karika NES louisa.karika@cookislands.gov.ck mailto:ptaramai@agriculture.gov.ck mailto:Emily.onufer@richmond.edu mailto:nngatoko@agriculture.gov.ck mailto:lydia.marsh@cookislands.gov.ck mailto:liamkokaua@hotmail.co.nz mailto:david@gardenzainparadise.com mailto:Mat.purea@hotmail.com mailto:gerald@nature.gov.ck mailto:agri07@atiu.gov.ck mailto:d.solomona@mmr.gov.ck mailto:Otheniel.tangianau@cookislands.gov.ck mailto:Olaf.rasmussn@cookislands.gov.ck mailto:682downsouth@gmail.com mailto:briantairea@agriculture.gov.ck mailto:matthew.rima@cookislands mailto:moana.tetauru@cookislands mailto:Elizabeth.munro@cookislands.gov.ck 88 Photo: NISSAP Workshop Participants, 2015. Source: NES NISSAP Workshop with Pa Enua Participants Date: Thursday 2 nd July 2015 Time: 9 – 2pm Venue: Ministry of Agriculture conference room Name Organization Contact Dr Dave Butler Consultant d.butler@xtra.co.nz Maara Tairi Atiu Agriculture officer agri07@atiu.gov.ck Tokai Ngaoire Mitiaro Agriculture officer 76767 Fred Charlie Aitutaki – Agriculture officer 31267/55248 Teuanuku Koroa Mangaia Agriculture officer 20031 Basilio Kaokao Mauke NES officer 58025 Elizabeth Munro NES Elizabeth.munro@cookislands.gov.ck Photo: L - Maara Tairi, Agriculture officer of Atiu and R- Basilio Kaokao, Environment officer of Mauke presenting their group work during the NISSAP workshop on Rarotonga, 2015. Source: NES 89