Knowledge to action on aquatic invasive species: Island biosecurity - the New Zealand and South Pacific story

New Zealand and Australia are regarded as world leaders in the field of biosecurity, the management of invasive animals and plants including aquatic species. This paper presents an overview of the history and current governance of aquatic invasive species management in New Zealand. Its main focus is the input of biosecurity science, focussing primarily on the proactive management of invasive freshwater plants, and application in Australasia and other Pacific nations. Examples of proactive management actions include; identification of invasive species off-shore to prevent importation, management at the border, mitigation of introduction/dispersal pathways, surveillance for new incursions, incursion response and national eradication programs. Many of these actions are informed and supported by the development and application of risk assessment tools. The success of these initiatives within New Zealand is aided by geographical isolation and a relatively small population size, recognition of the need to protect an economy based on primary production from invasive species, strong effective legislation and biosecurity science directly linked to policy and management.