Invasive Alien Species in the Changing Arctic

The Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) and the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) Working Groups of the Arctic Council developed an information brief, “Invasive Alien Species in the Changing Arctic” to summarize the current status and emerging threats related to invasive alien species in the Arctic outline options for their effective prevention and management. The following are excerpts from the brief.

Invasive alien species are a major driver of biodiversity loss in ecosystems globally. Until recently, invasive alien species have been of relatively limited concern in the Arctic. This is likely to change with the ongoing transformation of the Arctic due to the warming climate and increasing human activity.

The Arctic is home to many species and unique habitats, found nowhere else on earth, that can be especially vulnerable to the negative impacts of invasive alien species. A low number of species at some levels of the food web and the prevalence of natural disturbances – factors that are generally known to make ecosystems susceptible to biological invasions – characterize many Arctic ecosystems. Furthermore, species that have adapted to Arctic conditions through characteristics such as slow growth and delayed maturity may be poor competitors against invasive alien species.

Milder temperatures and the reduction in ice cover favor northward expansion of Sub-Arctic species. Furthermore, it renders the region hospitable to both native species shifting their ranges northwards and alien species brought to the Arctic by human activities, intentionally or unintentionally. Human activities such as maritime traffic, tourism, resource exploration and extraction, as well as marine debris can serve as pathways for biological invasions.

If unmanaged, invasive alien species have the potential to threaten Arctic ecosystems and livelihoods and cause serious economic harm. Importantly, they pose a risk to the wellbeing of people, especially Indigenous Peoples, that are reliant on local flora and fauna for subsistence harvesting as well as spiritual and cultural value.

Limiting the risks and negative impacts of invasive alien species is achievable through decisive management actions that combine multiple methods. Prevention and preparedness are often the best and most cost-effective options.

International cooperation and regional coordination are critical for addressing the transboundary nature of invasive species in the Arctic. Additionally, effective management of invasive alien species requires collaboration with Indigenous Peoples as well as other local actors and communities. Education, awareness raising and public engagement are also vital to address this problem.

Want to learn more about Invasive Alien Species in the Arctic? Read the full information brief, “Invasive Alien Species in the Changing Arctic” on www.caff.is and www.pame.is.