Invasive species (harmful non-native organisms) are one of the major threats to native wildlife and habitats. The pet/aquaria trade has been identified as a substantial source of potentially invasive species; escaped or released pets and aquaria species can predate upon, compete with, or spread diseases and parasites to native wildlife. Aquaria dumping and water gardening can also be sources of invasive plants. In order to minimize the invasion risk of the "pet/aquaria trade pathway," Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recently adopted a decision (May 2008) to collate case studies of best management practices that industries, governments, and others are taking to prevent the release, escape, and establishment of former pets and aquaria species. The CBD explicitly recognized PIJAC and the Global Invasive Species Program (GISP) as leaders in this process. Thus, the two organizations are now working together to develop a toolkit of regulatory and non-regulatory measures to minimize the introduction of animals, plants, pathogens, and parasites via the "pet/aquaria trade pathway."
Download the Toolkit Overview (pdf) document.
Should you be interested in supporting, contributing to or sponsoring this initiative contact
Dr. Jamie K. Reaser, Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC); pijacscience@nelsoncable.com ; +1-434-990-9494