The introduction and spread of invasive alien species in the region have raised major economic, environmental, and public health concerns. Early detection through surveillance is critical to preserving the possibility of timely eradication and minimizing their impacts. Furthermore, early detection and monitoring may help prevent future invasions of invasive alien species.
Invasive alien species are biosecurity risks. Caribbean countries have devised multiple initiatives, to encourage travellers to self-declare items that may pose as a biosecurity risk. An example of a surveillance tool is CBIS (Caribbean Biosecurity Interceptions System), a tool that can help aid in the management, control, and early detection of invasive alien species. This tool will help bring Caribbean Sanitary and Phytosanitary online systems up to the same specification as other countries globally.
The Caribbean Biosecurity Interceptions System (CBIS) is a database tool that can help reduce the risks posed by invasive alien species to native species at ports of entry.
Currently, the Caribbean Biosecurity Interceptions System (CBIS) is being updated with new features. Once implemented by countries in the Caribbean region, it will help to meet strict global best practices at ports of entry including the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures that outline procedures for the inspections of plant products, plants and other regulated articles at import and export.
Read more from our sources below!
Source:
CABI – Biosecurity Interception System to be adopted across Caribbean to improve surveillance for Invasive Alien Species
EPA – Detecting and monitoring aquatic invasive species
National Library of Medicine – Optimal invasive species surveillance in the real world: practical advances from research