Trends and guidelines to contingency planning for invasion management

Bibtex

@inproceedings{45370c36-e41e-481c-9851-303d02502c83,
title = "Trends and guidelines to contingency planning for invasion management",
abstract = "Following an incursion of a previously absent invasive alien species (IAS), the window of opportunity for successful eradication is often limited, requiring a rapid and coordinated response. Success depends heavily on the efficient and timely transition from detection to action. Contingency planning is a key component in this process, providing a structured framework for preparedness and action. Unlike long-term management strategies for established invasive populations, a contingency plan ensures that the necessary procedures, resources, and legal mandates are in place before an introduction occurs. These plans define the roles and responsibilities of relevant parties, ensuring seamless cooperation during time-sensitive scenarios. Furthermore, contingency planning is essential for regulatory compliance. For instance, under EU Regulation No 1143/2014, Member States are mandated to act immediately to eradicate species of Union Concern upon detection in new territories. Without prior planning, administrative, legal, or logistical delays can allow a nascent invasive population to expand beyond the point of feasible control.Despite their recognised importance, contingency planning in the context of biological invasions remains limited (Early et al. 2016), and existing plans vary considerably in structure and level of detail. To address this, we conducted a semi-structured review of academic and grey literature to gather a comprehensive and representative cross-section of accessible, international resources on contingency planning. We analysed the implementation of these contingency plans across time, geographic region, and taxonomic group, and identified important recurring elements.Sixty contingency plans were identified, mainly English-language resources from the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. The majority of these plans target groups of species, most often from freshwater (43%) or marine (28%) environments. An overall increase in the use of contingency plans was observed over time, particularly in recent years. Plans differed considerably in structure and content, highlighting the need for a more uniform and accessible approach.Based on this, we developed a practical guideline for drafting IAS contingency plans. Three possible approaches were identified: a species-specific, group-based or generic plan. For each, the starting point is a main contingency plan checklist that includes the following sections: scope, policy and legislation, roles and responsibilities, anticipation and assessment, preparation, detection and reporting, response, cost and equipment, risks, communication, documentation, and evaluation and revision. This base document can be supplemented with information annexes per taxonomic group or species, depending on the scope of the plan. By providing a standardised framework, these guidelines bridge the gap between theoretical preparedness and actual response. This approach enables authorities to develop comprehensive contingency plans, regardless of the species or geographic region, and reduces the risk of administrative and organisational delays following detection. Ultimately, this guidance serves as an important asset in harmonising international efforts to mitigate incursions of invasive, alien species through organised and effective action.",
author = "Margot Vermeylen and Diederik Strubbe and Fleur Petersen and Teun Everts and Jane Reniers and Damiano Oldoni and Elena Tricarico and Tim Adriaens",
year = "2026",
month = aug,
day = "17",
doi = "10.3897/aca.9.e202219",
language = "English",
publisher = "Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek",
address = "Belgium",
}

Authors