A new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reveals that the global economic cost of invasive alien species exceeded $423 billion annually in 2019, with costs having at least quadrupled every decade since 1970.
The report has also revealed that over 37,000 alien species have been introduced by human activities to regions and biomes around the world, with over 3,500 of these being harmful invasive alien species. The authors of the report emphasize that not all alien species become invasive, but the subset of alien species known to have become established and spread, which cause negative impacts on nature and often also on people.
In 2019, the IPBES Global Assessment Report found that invasive alien species are one of the five most important direct drivers of biodiversity loss, alongside changes in land- and sea-use, direct exploitation of species, climate change, and pollution.
About 6% of alien plants; 22% of alien invertebrates; 14% of alien vertebrates; and 11% of alien microbes are known to be invasive, posing major risks to nature and people. People with the greatest direct dependence on nature, such as Indigenous Peoples and local communities, are found to be at even greater risk.
Shipping routes
Invasive species can be transported through global shipping routes. Many invasive aquatic species are introduced through ballast water discharge. Another means is through what is known as biofouling, where invasive species can attach themselves to the hulls of ships.
In addition, invasive species can find refuge or hide in cargo, crates, or containers. These organisms may be unknowingly transported to new regions when ships arrive at their destination.
However, there are measures that operators can implement to minimise the risks, such as guidelines from the International Maritime Organisation and P&I clubs regarding biofouling management and hull cleaning.
The guidelines provide recommendations on the regular inspection and maintenance of ship hulls to prevent the attachment of invasive species. Additionally, some countries have implemented regulations requiring ships to undergo biofouling management before entering their ports, further reducing the risk of introducing invasive species.
The Ballast Water Management Convention is another important measure that addresses the issue of invasive species. It requires ships to manage their ballast water, which can carry organisms from one region to another. By treating ballast water, ships can reduce the likelihood of introducing invasive species to new environments.
Finally, guidance can also be found on the elimination of pest contamination. For instance, Bureau of International Containers, Contracts of affreightment, Institute of International Container Lessors and World Shipping Council recently jointly issued updated guidelines for the cleaning of containers.
