040703 Press Release: Conservancy Sounds the Alarm

April 7, 2003

Press Release: Conservancy Sounds the Alarm About Invasive Species Crisis

Florida’s problem of out-of-control non-native plants and animals destroying native habitats and species must be addressed immediately to optimize the state’s chances for success, The Nature Conservancy said today. The Florida Chapter of the international environmental group, through a booklet being distributed called "Stopping the Spread," is alerting state legislators and agency heads about the seriousness and scale of the invasive, non-native species problem. The Conservancy is urging lawmakers to maintain environmental trust fund balances so money is available to deal with the crisis. "Stopping the Spread" recommends ways to stem the tide and reduce the destructive impacts caused by predatory catfish, disease-carrying insects and smothering vines, to name a few. "The problem of invasive, non-native species grows exponentially worse each day. The time to act is now," said Vicki Tschinkel, Florida Chapter director. "There is a point in the proliferation of these invaders where intervention can be effective, but unfortunately it is a very small window of opportunity." The state spends more than $45 million every year to battle invasives, and new problems continue to arise. Crop sales lost annually due to invasive species are valued at almost $180 million.

"There is no doubt that the problem of non-native invasive species is an enormous one for Florida," said Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles Bronson. "It affects the agriculture industry, the environment and human health, and its economic impacts are huge. We must act decisively and on several fronts to combat these invasions, and we must act soon if we want a chance to beat this problem." Success often depends on a well-coordinated, carefully designed and sufficiently funded approach. The Conservancy’s report recommends a formal multi-agency organization be created to implement the state’s invasive species management plan, coordinate actions, and share research and training. A permanent fund must be created to finance the effort. This new entity should focus on preventing new introductions — a difficult job given Florida’s trade with 200 countries — and better "rapid response" to new problems. Ability to rapidly release a biological control agent when the pink hibiscus mealy bug was found in Florida in 2001 was critical to protect the $8 billion hibiscus industry and many native plant species. This response required careful planning and investment in preparation for this invasion, an approach that needs to be developed for many other invasive species.
Copyright © 2003 Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy All rights reserved.