Commerce
There has never been a greater need for abundant and healthy water resources globally. Yet, our aquatic systems are under threat because of the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species, which reduces biodiversity and threatens water quality. One key way aquatic invasive species are introduced and transported are via commerce - the plant and animal trade.
Reducing the risks of harmful aquatic invasive species in trade requires the cooperation and collaboration of everyone involved in the supply chain, from producers and manufacturers, to buyers and importers, to retailers and government agencies. This portion of the website explores the key challenges and issues that contribute to the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in plant and animal trades, and documents both voluntary and regulatory approaches to minimize the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species.
THE ISSUE
Global commerce growth is forecast at 12.2% in 2022. The e-commerce share of retail sales has been steadily growing during the past decade, and is forecast to be 23.6% of all sales by 2025. There is increasing concern that the e-commerce sector will grow at a rate that exceeds the ability of regulatory agencies to address associated risks of introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. There is also concern that lack of incentives, lack of information and education about risks associated with certain species, inadequate labeling and reporting, shipping loopholes, and other factors could significantly accelerate the risk of aquatic invasive species introductions and spread throughout North America.
Key challenges that contribute to AIS in Commerce include mislabeling of plants, animals, and shipments, inaccurate records of species being bought and sold, lack of information by buyers, unregulated online marketplaces, hitchhikers in shipments, reliance on voluntary actions, and no consistent approach to importation and exportation of aquatic plants and animals. Check out this document for more information.
A Governance and Biosecurity Framework for AIS in Commerce in North America has been developed to incorporate best management practices, voluntary codes of conduct, and enhanced outreach and regulatory mechanisms that will allow the continuance of plant and animal trade while minimizing the transport and spread of aquatic invasive species in North America. The plan includes strategies that address accessible information, voluntary industry practices, legal authorities, record requirements, knowledgeable consumers, collaboration, and resources and capacity. Click here to access the Governance and Biosecurity Framework.
CASE STUDIES of the LEGAL FRAMEWORK
In 2023, the National Sea Grant Law Center conducted research to determine the public accessibility of state AIS lists. The results of that research illustrates the following challenges:
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It is difficult to locate many state AIS lists online.
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Little information exists about how state lists are monitored, updated, or enforced.
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Terminology varies significantly from state to state, and states describe species and groupings of species a variety of ways (e.g., prohibited wildlife, allowed wildlife, exotic species, nuisance species, noxious weeds, etc.).
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Some states lack lists for specific categories of species, e.g., some state may only publish a prohibited list of animals, but do not have a similar list for plants; some states only publish a list of species prohibited in aquaculture.
Click on the image to the right to access model regulatory language to address priority gaps.
Click on the icons in the map below to access state and provincial aquatic invasive species-related statutes and regulations.
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The following case studies were developed to highlight the current legal framework governing commercial trade of aquatic species and the challenges to mitigating risks from this pathway.
BEST PRACTICES AND GUIDELINES
The following Best Practices and Guidelines included are intended to address the gaps that currently exist in commerce relative to the production, sale, transport, and purchase of aquatic plants and animals that serve as a pathway for the introduction of AIS.
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INDUSTRY AND AGENCY TOOLKITS
These toolkits connect producers and retailers with practical information and resources to improve knowledge of aquatic invasive species, while providing key resources to remain compliant and responsible.