Ascension : Invasive Species Management Course 2009.
Submitted by The Islander (Conservation Office) 26.11.2009 (Article Archived on 10.12.2009)
From the 18th October to 24th October, together with the Environmental Health Officer, Kevin Williams, I attended an Invasive Species Management course in Jersey.
Invasive Species Management Course 2009.
From the 18th October to 24th October, together with the Environmental Health Officer, Kevin Williams, I attended an Invasive Species Management course in Jersey. I learnt new techniques for controlling invasive species, such as invasive species study cases, biosecurity, increasing public awareness, action planning and tool methods. This has increased my knowledge and understanding of controlling and eradicating invasive species on Ascension Island.
I learnt a bit about the effects of Biosecurity, including the preventive measures to reduce the risk of invasive species. For instance, alien species such as seeds, could be carried in the tucks of your pants or Velcro fastenings on shoes. I studied different methods of increasing public awareness, such as portraying information on posters, through media and leaflets in order to help in the prevention and control of invasive species. Action planning involved knowing when to take actions based on knowledge, identifying the main surveillance areas where the problem occurs, researching through control techniques and how the problem is spread, when to act and time management.
The tool methods I learnt were mechanical chemical and biological. e.g. using machetes for controlling the spread of Mexican thorn (mechanical), herbicides to prevent the re- growth of invasives such as Mexican thorn (chemical), the use of one living organism to control another, such as insects feeding on invasive plants slowing down its rapid growth.
I thoroughly enjoyed my training in Jersey as I found it very interesting. I also learnt of the problems facing other countries from the people on the course and how they deal with them. This course has benefited me as a Seabird Restoration Field Officer on Ascension, it has made me more aware of how easily invasive species can spread and has given me a good understanding of how to monitor and evaluate invasive species that are a threat here.
Nathan Fowler
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