Report to the Republic of Palau: 2008 update on Invasive Plant ...

has worked informally with <strong>the</strong> Southwest Island states <strong>of</strong> Ha<strong>to</strong>hobei and Sonsorol <strong>to</strong> inspect
cargo prior <strong>to</strong> departure <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>se islands, but <strong>the</strong>re is no formal agreement for this. The first line
<strong>of</strong> defense against invasive species, and <strong>the</strong> most cost-effective, is <strong>to</strong> keep <strong>the</strong>m out. Control at
ports <strong>of</strong> entry is essential, and ecosystem managers should continue <strong>to</strong> work closely with plant
protection and quarantine <strong>of</strong>ficials <strong>to</strong> combat known and potential invasive plant species. Plant
quarantine <strong>of</strong>ficers can benefit from receiving training in identification <strong>of</strong> both agricultural pests
and those that threaten wildland ecosystems. The PIER web site and CD can be used as
reference <strong>to</strong>ols when unknown or suspicious plants are encountered. At a minimum, a list <strong>of</strong>
known noxious species <strong>to</strong> be excluded should be developed and exclusion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se species
should be backed by <strong>the</strong> force <strong>of</strong> law and regulation. The Department <strong>of</strong> Agriculture should
continue <strong>to</strong> use available Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) <strong>to</strong>ols (Hawaii-Pacific and Australia, or
possibly o<strong>the</strong>rs) <strong>to</strong> screen potential imports. The cost is relatively small and could be passed on
<strong>to</strong> importers as a fee or funded in some o<strong>the</strong>r manner. Weed risk assessments can be used along
with a “white list” approach where only species shown <strong>to</strong> be non-invasive are allowed entry,
essentially excluding all alien species not shown <strong>to</strong> be <strong>of</strong> acceptable risk. The Secretariat <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
Pacific Community has a Plant Protection Training Officer for Micronesia who provides
assistance <strong>to</strong> streng<strong>the</strong>n quarantine operations.
In <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> new introductions, <strong>the</strong> ability <strong>to</strong> take prompt action is essential, as expanding
infestations soon become uneconomical <strong>to</strong> control. Regular moni<strong>to</strong>ring programs for early
detection and rapid response procedures, <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r with emergency funding mechanisms, should
be in place.
Although few in number, local nurseries, botanical gardens and plant importers can be important
sources <strong>of</strong> new introductions. A positive approach is <strong>to</strong> work <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> develop a list <strong>of</strong> native
and non-invasive species that <strong>the</strong> public can be encouraged <strong>to</strong> plant. Likewise, state, village and
local groups can perform an important education function for <strong>the</strong>ir members in what species <strong>to</strong>
avoid and can assist in “weed-spotting” and controlling infestations <strong>of</strong> invasive plants.
Demonstrated leadership by government agencies, including prohibiting <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> invasives
species in public projects and promoting <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> non-invasive and native species, sets an
example for o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> follow.
Mapping and moni<strong>to</strong>ring are important actions <strong>to</strong> incorporate in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> program. Foresters,
conservation <strong>of</strong>ficers, extension agents and o<strong>the</strong>rs that spend time in <strong>the</strong> field should be alert <strong>to</strong>
new species that exhibit invasive behavior and report <strong>the</strong>ir locations. Periodically scheduled
surveys should also be conducted for new or expanding infestations, particularly along <strong>the</strong>
Compact Road. Most pest species are deliberately or inadvertently introduced by people and
tend <strong>to</strong> first become established on farms or in gardens and disturbed areas, such as roadsides.
The “War on Weeds” hotlines should continue <strong>to</strong> be publicized <strong>to</strong> encourage <strong>the</strong> prompt
reporting <strong>of</strong> suspicious species. Areas previously used for agricultural and forestry species trials
as well as o<strong>the</strong>r areas where exotic species have been planted should continue <strong>to</strong> be moni<strong>to</strong>red
for <strong>the</strong> spread <strong>of</strong> exotic species. <strong>Palau</strong> should also utilize <strong>the</strong> results <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spatial Analysis
Program, and similar programs, <strong>to</strong> help identify areas at high risk <strong>of</strong> introductions and focus
areas where treatment <strong>of</strong> established invasives is a high priority.
Laws and regulations should be reviewed <strong>to</strong> make sure <strong>the</strong>y are adequate <strong>to</strong> deal with new
introductions. The Bureau <strong>of</strong> Agriculture now has <strong>the</strong> authority <strong>to</strong> require <strong>the</strong> control <strong>of</strong> noxious
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