Prepared for The Nature Conservancy Palmyra Program Biosecurity Plan for Palmyra Atoll Open-File Report 2010–1097 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Cover: Images showing ants, scale, black rats, and coconut trees found at Palmyra Atoll. (Photographs by Stacie Hathaway, U.S. Geological Survey, 2008.) Biosecurity Plan for Palmyra Atoll By Stacie A. Hathaway and Robert N. Fisher Prepared for The Nature Conservancy Palmyra Program Open-File Report 2010–1097 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior KEN SALAZAR, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Marcia K. McNutt, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2010 For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment, visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1-888-ASK-USGS. 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Contents Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Study Site ................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Background ................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Terrestrial Non-Native or Invasive Species at Palmyra Atoll....................................................................................... 5 Non-Native or Invasive Vascular Plants.................................................................................................................. 5 Non-Native Animals ................................................................................................................................................ 6 Marine Non-Native or Invasive Species...................................................................................................................... 8 Existing Non-Native Species Laws, Policies, Protocols .............................................................................................. 9 International ............................................................................................................................................................ 9 National................................................................................................................................................................... 9 State of Hawai`i..................................................................................................................................................... 10 Palmyra Atoll......................................................................................................................................................... 10 Goals and Objectives of the Biosecurity Plan for Palmyra Atoll................................................................................ 12 Goal (G1) Reinstate Ecosystem Security.............................................................................................................. 12 Goal (G2) Evaluate New Risk Factors .................................................................................................................. 12 Scope and Limitations of this Biosecurity Plan...................................................................................................... 12 Palmyra Atoll Biosecurity Goals, Objectives, and Strategies .................................................................................... 13 Goal (G1) Reinstate Ecosystem Security.............................................................................................................. 13 Desired Future Conditions................................................................................................................................. 13 Goal (G1) Objectives............................................................................................................................................. 13 (G1-O1) Prevention ........................................................................................................................................... 13 (G1-O2) Early Detection.................................................................................................................................... 15 (G1-O3) Eradicate Incipient Invasive Species................................................................................................... 17 (G1-O4) Eradicate or Control the Spread of Established Non-Native and (or) Invasive Species....................... 18 (G1-O5) Support, Promote, and Coordinate Research and Monitoring that Increases the Understanding of Non-Native and Invasive Species at Palmyra Atoll and Improves Non-Native Species Management Decision Making............................................................................................................................................................... 19 (G1-O6) Educate to Ensure Awareness of Threats and Protocols ....................................................................19 Goal (G2) Monitor New Risk Factors—Develop Ongoing Assessment................................................................. 20 Desired Future Conditions................................................................................................................................. 20 Goal (G2) Objectives............................................................................................................................................. 20 (G2-O1) Adaptive Management Audit and Review............................................................................................ 20 (G2-O2) Identify Priority Risks........................................................................................................................... 21 (G2-O3) Develop Offsite Controls. .................................................................................................................... 22 Potential Workplan.................................................................................................................................................... 25 Phase 1................................................................................................................................................................. 25 Phase 2................................................................................................................................................................. 26 References Cited...................................................................................................................................................... 26 Appendix 1. Potential Non-Native Species Introduction Pathways Relevant to Palmyra Atoll ................................. 41 Appendix 2. Special Conditions and Rules for Visiting and Departing Palmyra Atoll and Moving Intra-Atoll ............ 42 Appendix 3. Additional Special Conditions for Food Provisions Destined for Palmyra Atoll..................................... 46 Appendix 4. Conditions and Rules for Air Transport to Palmyra Atoll ....................................................................... 47 iii Contents—Continued Appendix 5. Conditions and Rules for Shipping Vessels, Containers, and Other Cargo Destined for Palmyra Atoll.............................................................................................................................. 49 Appendix 6. Disinfection Standards for Used Vehicle, Machinery, and Equipment Destined for Palmyra Atoll ........ 54 Appendix 7. Disinfection Protocol for Boats and Trailers Destined for Palmyra Atoll................................................ 57 Appendix 8. Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Adoption of Chapter 13–76, Hawai`i Administrative Rules, “Non-Indigenous Aquatic Species”......................................................................................... 60 Appendix 9. Disinfection of Scientific/Recreational Equipment, Dive Gear, and Subsistence or Other Fishing Gear for Prevention of Disease and Introduced Species.............................................................................. 76 Appendix 10. Draft of Communications Strategy Components for Awareness of Non-Native/Invasive Species at Palmyra Atoll........................................................................................................................................... 79 Figure Figure 1. Map of Palmyra Atoll................................................................................................................................ 30 Tables Table 1. Experts consulted