Lord Howe Island – Visiting vessel update

by LHI Biosecurity Team 1 Sep 2020 13:46 PDT

Islands make up only 5.3% of the world's land area, yet they have hosted 61% of all recorded extinctions since the 16th century. 44% of these extinctions have been attributed to invasive species.

The Lord Howe Island (LHI) Group is an outstanding place with extraordinary terrestrial and marine ecosystems. These natural values were formally recognised to be of global significance in 1982 when the Lord Howe Island Group was listed as a World Heritage Property under the World Heritage Convention.

• The island has recorded 241 species of indigenous plants of which 113 (47%) are found nowhere else in the world.
• 207 different bird species have been recorded on Lord Howe.
• More than 1,600 terrestrial insect species have been recorded, of which approximately 60% are found nowhere else in the world.
• The Lord Howe Island Phasmid, a large stick insect - thought to be extinct, was rediscovered in recent years on Balls Pyramid.

Successful rodent eradication programmes undertaken on islands around the world have led to significant biodiversity improvements around the World such as:

• Significant increases of seeds and seedlings of numerous plant species;
• Dramatic increases in seabird and forest bird breeding success and populations;
• Rapid increases in the number of reptiles;
• Significant increases in invertebrate populations; and,
• Increased environmental resilience.

The Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication Project was undertaken to eradicate introduced rodents: the Ship Rat (Rattus rattus) and the House Mouse (Mus musculus) from Lord Howe Island.

Biosecurity

Island protection involves three key stages: quarantine (prevention), surveillance (detection), and response to incursions (contingency). Prevention is always better than cure. The same is true for biosecurity - the further back in the chain we can remove the risk of introduction, the more effective and financially efficient intervention actions are.

This is where you come in. Visiting vessels have been responsible for numerous rodent reintroductions to islands where they had previously been eradicated around the World. By ensuring that your vessel is rodent free, and putting contingency measures such as baiting and trapping in place, you can help to ensure the ongoing environmental protection of Lord Howe Island.

FAQ

I don't have any rodents aboard. Why do I need to bait and trap my vessel?

Rodents are excellent at sneaking onto vessels and can hide their presence for a long time. Although not every vessel will have rodents on board, having baits and traps aboard will help lower the chances of rodents making it back to LHI.

Can rodents swim?

Yes! Norway rats (R. norvegicus) can swim over 1500m whilst Ship rats (R. rattus) can swim over 700m. As the LHI Moorings are generally within 100m of shore, this is an easy swim for either species.

Have other Islands had rodents re-introduced from yachts after an eradication?

Yes. Several previously eradicated islands have seen rodent re-introductions via visiting vessels, even if they were anchored off. Incursion response or re-eradication actions were required to remove these rodents - not all of which were successful.

How many bait stations and traps do I need to install?

- If your vessel has a single internal deck, a minimum of one bait station and one trap per 10m of registered vessel length.
- If your vessel has multiple internal decks, then each deck needs one bait station and one trap per 10m of registered vessel length.
- If your vessel has multiple hulls, then each hull needs at least one bait station and one trap per 10m of registered vessel length in each hull.

EG:
A 45 foot (~14 meter) cruising monohull yacht will require a minimum of two bait stations and two traps.
A 42 foot (~12 meter) cruising catamaran will require a minimum on two bait stations and two traps in each hull.
A 42 foot (~12 meter) converted fishing vessel with two internal decks will require a minimum of two bait stations and two traps on each internal deck.

Where should I put my bait stations and traps?

Stations and traps can be placed anywhere dry. Ideal locations include the galley and saloon. More out of the way locations are also acceptable as long as they are not fully sealed and are able to be accessed by rodents. These areas may include food storage lockers, ropes lockers, unused cabins, etc.

How do I keep my stations and traps in place?

Double sided tape or self-adhesive Velcro can be used to prevent your devices from moving whilst under way.

Is the bait dangerous?

Brodifacoum and Difenacoum are modern rodenticides which are commercially available. All prescribed bait types are safe when used in accordance with product labels and instructions.

Bait stations are lockable and tamper proof to prevent children and pets accessing and interacting with baits.

Always use poisons in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

Can I use a different or natural bait?

No. The bait types have been prescribed as they are effective, single feed baits. This means that rodents only need to eat a small amount of bait once to receive a lethal dose. Many other bait types require multiple feeds over a prolonged duration and may be less effective.

What lure should I use on my snap traps?

Proven rodent snap trap lures include (but are not limited to): Peanut butter, hazelnut spread, and chocolate.

What if my snap traps go off whilst under way?

We understand that snap traps (especially traditional wooden snap traps) may be triggered by the motion of the vessel in a seaway. Traps should be re-set whenever possible, especially during hours of darkness.

What do I do if I catch a rodent on board?

Always wear gloves when handling rodents. You may wish to dispose of the carcass at sea. If so, ensure you take detailed photos of the body before disposal. Take photos from as many angles as possible and try to include something for scale. You will need to inform the biosecurity officer upon arrival, and provide the photos for our records.

Ideally, place the carcass in a sealable plastic bag, refrigerate or freeze it, and give it to the biosecurity officer upon arrival, however we understand and appreciate that this may not be seen as desirable.

What else can I do to help protect paradise?

Other potential threats to the biodiversity of LHI include weeds, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and plant and soil pathogens.

The import of all plants and animals to LHI is subject to approval - even if they are staying on board. Failure to obtain prior approval may see the items seized and destroyed.

Ensuring all vessel and personal equipment is clean and free of attached soil and seeds is incredibly important - especially walking boots and poles, rain-jackets, and outer-wear (remember to check any Velcro and pockets!).

It is also important to ensure that there are no animal stowaways on board or in your personal luggage. It may seem unlikely, but skinks, geckos, beetles, spiders, and rodents can all hitch a ride.

If you find any invertebrates before your arrival - self treat with a commercial knock-down spray.

Report any potential biosecurity threats to biosecurity staff upon arrival.

Island residents and visitors are key players when it comes to protecting the Island from unwanted pests and diseases. If you find any suspected pest sign during your stay, remember to call the biosecurity team as soon as possible on 6563 2066 or report it directly to the Lord Howe Island Board Office.

All private and commercial vessels are now required to apply to the Lord Howe Island Board for entry to Lord Howe Island – please visit here for more information.