International Workshop - Session 2
Management plan of alien
organisms in Korea
International Workshop on Eco-city and Biodiversity
Session 2: Biodiversity
Management plan of alien organisms in Korea
November 13, 2014; Kawasaki, Japan
into streams. Several municipalities in Korea suffer from extensive growth of S. angulata
blanketing vegetation along rivers and lakesides (Fig. 3).
*Jihyon KIL 1)
1) Natural Environment Research Division, NIER, Korea
*Corresponding author ([email protected])
Keywords: Invasive alien species; Biodiversity act; Preventive measures
Biological invasions are major threats for biodiversity conservation. Invasive alien species has
been shown to cause severe economic damage in the United States (Pimentel et al. 2000), and
prevention of invasion and control of them already present is a task of posing urgency over the
world. There has been rarely interested on alien species until the early 1980’s in Korea but it was
noticed the necessity of research on alien species in order to conserve biodiversity and walk
together in the international trend in the 1990’s. The number of alien species has been increasing
since 1995. Recently, the increasing ratio becomes over 50% than the previous year (Fig. 1).
In Korea, colonization of alien species is rapidly increasing because of the current expansion of
international trade . In 2013, 2,167 alien species is listed, but this number is tentative and the real
number may be larger (Table 1).
The Invasive Alien Species in Korea is managed under
the “Act on the Conservation and Uses of Biodiversity”,
which regulates the importation, raising, and other
handlings of invasive alien species. And it also provides
for the control of damage caused by them.
Alien species already introduced
in Korea
Risk assessment
(National Institute of Ecology)
High risk to
biodiversity
Designation of
“Invasive Alien Species”
(Ministry of Environment)
Prohibition of importing, carrying,
raising, planting, storing etc.
(Regional Environmental
Management Offices)
Alien species not yet introduced
in Korea
Low
risk
Not
regulated
Screening of potential invaders
(National Institute of Ecology)
Potential
invaders
Designation of
“Alert Species”
(Ministry of Environment)
No
Not
regulated
Restriction on importing and
carrying
(Regional Environmental
Management Offices)
Fig. 2 Outline of legal framework for alien species in Korea under the Biodiversity Act
Several management measures have been tested. Routine mowing at
riversides and waterfronts was usually enough to remove S. angulata
where the piling up of reeds on undisturbed riversides was not
effective to suppress burcucumber growth. Long belts of emergent
hydrophytes densely growing along river proved to form an efficient
barrier to prevent invasion of S. angulata through flowing water.
Fig. 3 Burcucumber growth in Seoul
Hydromorphology of the rivers leading to rapid linear flow
reduces the opportunities for the settlement of seeds. Submersion of S. angulata for a few days
during floods caused complete disintegration of S. angulata. These results implicate that combined
use of hydrological and mechanical management methods are recommendable to cope with invasion
of S. angulata.
Fig. 1 The increasing trend of alien species in Korea
Table 1. The number of Alien species in 2013
The law was enacted on February, 2012 and took effect in
2013.There are two categories to do deal with alien species in this Act(Fig.
2). First, among alien species that are introduced in Korea, 18 species were
designated as invasive alien species including bullfrog, bass, burcucumber.
Second, to cope with the potential risks of invasive alien species,
preventive measures were adopted in Biodiversity Act implemented in
2013 in Korea. Among alien species that are not yet introduced in Korea,
24 species were designated as alert species. To manage alien species
systematically, the 1st Management Plan of Alien Organisms in Korea was
prepared by the Ministry of Environment on June, 2014. The main fields
of this plan are as follows; reinforcement the survey and database of alien species, management of
introduced alien species, preventive measures of unintroduced species, systematic and strategic
control of alien species, and strengthen awareness to the public.
Group (No. of Species)
Animal Mammals (201)
Avian (134)
Reptiles (329)
Amphibians (22)
Fish (887)
Invertebrate
(260)
Plant (334)
Total number (2,167)
Two representative examples of invasive alien species, that have recently become trouble along
riversides. These two species, Sicyos angulatus (burcucumber) and Myocastor coypus (nutria) are
the species that required priority measures.
Sicyos angulata, burcucumber, has widely spread along four main rivers in the Republic of Korea
since its first appearance in 1989. Spread from invasion foci by sprawling growth and limited
random dispersal by animals and humans produced large population causing massive influx of seed
Nutria was initially introduced into Korea from France in 1985,
mainly for fur and food production, but all individuals failed to
survive for harsh winter. In 1987, 60 Nutrias were brought in again
from Bulgaria which proved to be successful, and the numbers
stabilized. While approx. 150,000 Nutrias were thought to have been
farmed in Korea in 2001, this number suffered from the poor
domestic demand and distribution chain issues. Nowadays,
abandoned or escaped nutria was established in natural habitat in Korea (Fig. 4). It was initiated in
2014 that nutria control project has been targeted to exterminate within the next 10 years.
Fig. 4 The change of nutria distribution from 2006 to 2014
References:
Kil, J.H., Kong, H.Y., Koh, K.S., J. M. Kim, J.M. (2006) Management of the spread of Sicyos angulata in
Korea.NEOBIOTA. 4th European Conference on Biological Invasions, Vienna (Ausrtia), 27-29 Sep.
Kil, J.H. and Kim, C.G. (in press) Overview of preventive measures against invasive alien pecies in Korea and
suggestions for their improvement. Ecology and Environment.
Ministry of Environment (2014) The 1st Management Plan of Alien Organism.
Pimentel, D., Lach, L., Zuniga, R., and Morrison, D. (2000) Environmental and economic costs of nonindegenous
species in the United States. BioScience, 50, 53-65.
KIL Jihyon
National Institute of Environmental Research,
Ministry of Environment, KOREA
1
Total number of Alien organisms introduced in Korea: 2,167 (1,833 animals, 334 plants)
- Continuous increase of alien organisms in Korea
Taxon
100 (
%)
80
Birds
134
Reptiles
329
Amphibians
22
Fish
887
Invertebrates
260
Subtotal
1,833
1,109
Animals
1,833
607
800
287
309
334
2009
2011
2013
20
0
201
2,167
60
40
Mammals
Animal
Plant
894
Year
＜Increasing trend of alien organisms in Korea
from 2009 to 2014>
Species number
Plants
334
Total
2,167
2
3
Alien species already introduced
in Korea
Alien species not yet introduced
in Korea
Risk assessment
(National Institute of Ecology)
Screening of potential invaders
(National Institute of Ecology)
High risk to
biodiversity
Designation of
“Invasive Alien Species”
(Ministry of Environment)
Prohibition of importing, carrying,
raising, planting, storing etc.
(Regional Environmental
Management Offices)
Low
risk
Not
regulated
Potential
invaders
Designation of
“Alert Species”
(Ministry of Environment)
No
Not
regulated
Restriction on importing and carrying
(Regional Environmental
Management Offices)
< Outline of legal framework for invasive alien species in Korea under the Biodiversity Act>
4
1998. 1st round of designation of IAS
1999. 2nd round of designation of IAS
2001. 3rd round of designation of IAS
2002. 4th round of designation of IAS
2009. 5th round of designation of IAS
2012. 6th round of designation of IAS
1st
Lithosbates catesbeianuus
2nd
Ambrosia trifida
Lepomis macrochirus
2nd
A. artemisiifolia
5th
Sicyos angulatus
1st
5th
Rumex acetocella
1st
Micropterus salmoides
3rd
Trachemys spp.
4th
Eupatorium rugosum
4th
Paspalum distichum
5th
5th
Hypochaeris radicata
Aster pilosus,
5th
Myocastor coypus
6th
Lycorma delicatula
4th
P.distichum var.
indutum,
4th
Solanum carolinense
5th
Solidago altissima
6th
Lactuca scariola
5
Public awareness campaigns for management & eradication of IAS
• Burcucumber removal campaigns
• Bass removal efforts using natural enemies
• Selection and concentration of priority control species by each local env.agency
Pan-ministerial cooperation to create positive synergy effects
• Nutria eradication: visible outcomes achieved via collaboration with relevant Ministries
- In 2013, monetary reward amount was adjusted (KRW20,000)
in capacity of different local governments.
• To better protect biodiversity a voluntary agreement between MOE and
Korea Expressway Corporation was signed in Sept, 2013
6
History of Nutria introduction in Korea
1985.
1987.
2001.
2006.
2013.
Crop and aquatic plant damage
Imports from France for fur/meat, died all (n=100)
Import from Bulgaria and Reproduced (n=60)
Farming peak at 470 sites (n=150,000)
Start Survey upon Claims (Green house farmers)
Start “Nutria Zero in Korea” by MOE/NIE/Local
Control method of nutria
Floating live trap
Number of captured nutria
Nutria live trap
Number of captures
MOE(local env.) &
local governments
2011
2012
2013
total
581
1,135
3,349
5,065
Natural enemy(leopard cat)
Repellent
7
(Legal framework) Act on the Conservation and the Use of Biodiversity (Article21)
[Major contents] 3 main objects, investment of KRW 6 billion for 10 years
• Different focal tasks for each organization: the ME, local environment agencies, the NIE
.
Implementation • Eradication strategy committee, local eradication force, Nutria control support groups
framework for
effective IAS
control
Eradication
project
Science based
approach
•
•
•
•
<stage 1> Field survey (National Institute of Ecology)
<stage 2> Eradication efforts (Local environment agency – cities, counties and individuals)
<stage 3> Eradication progress management [Local environment agency, the NIE]
<stage 4> After care and evaluation (Local environment agency, the NIE]
• Target species'ecological characteristics, trains, distribution model, various capture techniques,
public education and promotion programs
8
Distribution of Burcucumber in Korea
a
b
c
<Detailed map of S. angulata at some major distribution sites along the Han river.>
A; Chuncheon, B; Yanpyeong, C; Jamwon, D; Bam island.
<Population change of Bam island in the Han river>
<Driving force and spread mode of S. angulata invasion>
Driving force
Water stream
Radial growth
Random displacement
Embedding in soil
Differential germination
Elongated growth
Spread mode
linear
sprawl
animal- or wind-carry
temporal continuity
environmental adaptation
invasive
Remark
rapid and distant spread
local growth
step-wise dispersion
repeated growth
ensure existence
enhance over-growth
Nutria live trap
<Spread barrier against S. angulata invasion>
Spread barrier
Management
Flooding
Biological interaction
Cold weather
Erosion
Emergent hydrophyte belt
Mode of action
removal on site
die off
competition
withering
wash away
physical barrier
Remark
no flowering chance
rapid and extensive
growth intervention
limit seed production
loss of seed
limited invasion
<A dense belt of emergent aquatic hydrophyte prevents the influx
of burcucumber seeds with running water>
9
2013.11.26 Designation of Alert Species
Acridotheres tristis
Anoplolepis
gracilipes
Micropterus
dolomieu
Peromyscus
maniculatus
Rattus exulans
Perna viridis
Siniperca chuatsi
Carduus
acanthoides
Carduus tenuiflorus
Cenchrus
echinatus
Centaurea
maculosa
Chromolaena
odorata
Cynanchum
rossicum
Fallopia
baldschuanica
Heracleum
sosnowskyi
Hydrocotyle
ranunculoides
Mikania micrantha
Neyraudia
reynaudiana
Senecio
madagascariensis
Spartina alterniflora
Spartina anglica
Sphagneticola
trilobata
Urochloa mutica
Vulpia bromoides
10
Designation of alert species by law was implemented in Jan, 2014 to prevent
introduction of IAS and to minimize the spread of IAS in Korea
- 24 species (in total with 7 animals, 17 plants) are designated and notified in Nov, 2013
- Import & export approval must be granted followed by risk screening by MOE (NIE)
Family and species
Mammals
Rattus exulans
Peromyscus maniculatus
Bird
Acridotheres tristis
Fish
Micropterus dolomieu
Siniperca chuatsi
Mollusk
Perna viridis
Insect
Anoplolepis gracilipes
Plants
Cynanchum rossicum
Carduus acanthoides
Carduus tenuiflorus
Centaurea maculosa
Chromolaena odorata
Mikania micrantha
Senecio madagascariensis
Sphagneticola trilobata
Cenchrus echinatus
Neyraudia reynaudiana
Areas where the species is invasive
Potential invasion pathway
Australia, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Pacific region, Taiwan, US, transported by human vessels,food source
Mexico
Not reported
Australia, Fiji, Israel, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, US
Ornamental, pet, crop protection
Japan
Not reported
Fishing
Aquaculture
Atlantic Ocean, Australia, Jamaica, Trinidad, US, Venezuela
Ship ballast water
Australia, China, Cook Islands, Guam, Indonesia, Japan, US
Transported in soil and timber, packaging materials
Canada, Norway, US
US
US
US
Africa, Asia, Australia, US
Australia, China, US
US
US
Australia, China, US
US
Contaminant in seeds or plants
Contaminant in seeds or plants
Contaminant in seeds or plants
Contaminant in seeds or plants
Ornamental, Soil improver
Medicine
Contaminant in seeds or plants, ornamental
Ornamental, landscape
Contaminant in seeds or plants
Contaminant in seeds or plants
Spartina alterniflora
China, Japan, US
Erosion control/bank stabilization, fodder, forage, packing material, ballast water discharge
Spartina anglica
Urochloa mutica
Vulpia bromoides
Fallopia baldschuanica
Heracleum sosnowskyi
Hydrocotyle ranunculoides
Australia, China, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, US
US
US
US
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia
Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands
Landscape, erosion control, fodder, forage
Erosion control, fodder feed
Contaminant in seeds or plants
Ornamental
Fodder, ornamental
Aquaculture, Ornamental
11
Vision & Strategies of the
1
2
3
4
5
12
1. Surveys on current status of alien species & informationization
Nationwide surveys will be conducted every 3 year to identify major pathways,
IAS monitoring and surveillance at national level
30 most harmful/ prevalent AS will be identified by 2018, followed by highly detailed
investigations on the species
Comprehensive AS search engine will be operated including scientific names, habitats
and distribution of AS
Providing customized public education for student, civil groups and experts
13
2. Management of introduced alien species
Increasing the number of ecological risk assessment (37 species in 2014 → 115 species in 2018)
Expansion of IAS designation (18 species in 2014 → 25 species in 2018)
When designated as IAS, interim management measures & introduction of ‘polluter pays
principle’ to be applied
Priority control for species of high rate of prevalence
* Bass, bluegill, nutria, burcucumber, giant ragweed, frost aster (6 species)
-> Local cooperation groups for effective management & public engagement
Pan-ministerial (the Ministry of Environment, local government, National institute of Ecology)
Eradication project (local eradication force & monetary reward policy, etc) & post mortem tests
14
3. Preventive measures for alert species
By 2018, more than 100 designated potentially harmful species as prevention * (alert species)
non-native species that can potentially pose invasive threats to endemic ecosystem
Continuous development of detailed guidelines & evaluation categories for accurate
assessment and screening
Tightened import approval & regulations when introducing non - native species
Strengthened field monitoring (twice per yr), breeding & farming facilities guidelines,
management protocols to minimize the influence of potentially harmful species
15
4. Systematic management
Comprehensive alien species management & regulations: National Biodiversity Committee
Professional research Institute was established in 2013: National Institute of Ecology
Ecological risk assessment & screening team was initiated in 2014: MOE (NIE)
Development managing technique for the protection from the threat of alien species (R&D, ‘16~21’)
Human resources education program established for field work, monitoring on distribution – NIE
Professional exchange and overseas training program will be offered to benchmark successful control
16
5. International cooperation & public education
By operating public engaging programs, K-BON etc, public awareness raising and
voluntary participation will be boosted.
Customized education programs for students & professionals
Through various projects at national parks, promotion publications to raise public
participation in the field of alien species
＜Mobile app. for the public engaging programs in K-BON>
17
Based on North east countries’ cooperation & Tripartite TEMM, sustainable collaboration will
be expanded in the field of alien species exports/ imports
International conferences, workshops, various MOUs will boost information & knowledge
sharing with neighboring countries.
Government
Research
Centre
International network
Zoo/ botanical garden
Universities
18
Proposals for the Tripartite cooperation
1. Alien species field survey & informationization
Nationwide monitoring & surveillance
2. Alien species management
Information sharing on risk assessment methods &
screening categories
Specified control measures for IAS of high risk
Informationsharingof alienspecies DB
3. Prevention tools for future introduction of AS
Exploring further for effective assessment; ‘polluter
pays principle’ etc
4. International cooperation
Designating priority management species for highly
invasive species
Education program for each countries’ customized
alien species management
Alien mammal species capture projects & effective
after treatment measures
Tripartite cooperation for the species of common
interests
5. Other matters - Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Survey of Coastal Sand dunes, etc.
Problems of planting trees on coastal dunes (eg. Pinus thunbergii, Robinia pseudoacacia)
Management of non-native plants on coastal dunes.
19
References
1. Kil, J.H. H.Y. Kong, K.S. Koh and J.M.Kim. 2007. Management of the spread of Sicyos angulata in
the Republic of Korea. In: Rabitsch, W., F. Essl & F. Klingenstein (Eds.): Biological Invasions- from
Ecology to Conservation. NEOBIOTA 7 (2007): 76-83
2. Kil, J.H. Y.H. Kil. - 2013. Field Guide to the Invasive Alien Species in Korea. NIER, Korea
3. Lee, D.H. and J.H. Kil. 2013. Eological characteristics and management of muskrat in Korea. NIER, Korea
4. Kil,J.H. and C.G.Kim. 2014. Overview of Preventive Measures against Invasive Alien Species in
Korea and Suggestions for their Improvement. Ecology and Environment. Korea (in press)
5. Ministry of Environment. 2014. 2014-2018 1st Management of Alien Organism. Korea.
Biodiversity Is Our Hope.