The potential and actual threats of introduced organisms to sub-Antarctic islands

Project aim

This project aims to evaluate the potential and actual threats of introduced organisms by way of ANARE and ecotourism activities to Australias subantarctic islands. The World Heritage listed Territories of Heard and McDonald Islands are described as containing the largest subantarctic island for which there is no evidence of flora and fauna introduced by human activity(Australian Antarctic Division 1995). It is important to minimise the likelihood of humans introducing plants, invertebrates and microbiota (that may become established and alter ecosystem processes) to such a special environment. This project will examine current practices for evidence of inadvertent propagule collection and transfer during current activities. This information will then be made available to the management organizations to assist with the establishment of worlds best practice methods for environmental protection of Australias World Heritage subantarctic islands. Specifically, this project will develop appropriate recommendations to be followed by 2000-2001 expedition to Heard and McDonald Islands, observe their initial implementation and make preliminary observations on effects on the islands biota. Then, in light of this experience, devise revised recommendations to be followed by future visitors to the Territory. It will also focus on activities associated with Macquarie Is, which is a warmer and much more frequently visited island.