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ICES Code of Practice
In 1995 the International
Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) issued a Code
of Practice on the Introductions and Transfers of Marine Organisms
(pdf 323k), subsequently revised in 2004, establishing a North
Atlantic regional policy approach to preventing problems resulting
from species introductions for fisheries enhancement and marine
aquaculture purposes.
The 2004 Code of Practice follows the precautionary approach
adopted by the FAO with the goal of reducing the spread of exotic
species.
"It accommodates the risks associated with current commercial
practices including trade in ornamental species and bait organisms,
research, and the import of live species for immediate human
consumption (these are not species that are intended to be released
to the environment, so a notification to ICES is neither appropriate
nor practical). It also includes species that are utilized to
eradicate previously introduced harmful and native species,
as well as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and polyploids
(specifically triploids and tetraploids). It outlines a consistent,
transparent process for the evaluation of a proposed new introduction,
including detailed biological background information and an
evaluation of risks.
ICES views the Code of Practice as a guide to recommendations
and procedures… While initially designed for the ICES Member
Countries concerned with the North Atlantic and adjacent seas,
all countries across the globe are encouraged to implement this
Code of Practice. Public awareness of the concerns associated
with introductions and transfers of marine organisms is essential
to assist in the prevention of problems associated with such
introductions. Countries are therefore encouraged to ensure
the widest distribution of this code." (ICES 2004).
The Code of Practice sets forth recommended procedures and practices
to diminish the risks of detrimental effects from the intentional
introduction and transfer of marine (including brackish water)
organisms, including introductions into closed containment systems.
It applies to public (commercial and governmental), private, and
scientific interests. "In short, any persons engaged in activities
that could lead to the intentional or accidental release of exotic
species should be aware of the procedures covered by the Code
of Practice" (Preamble).
The Code of Practice is divided into sections of recommendations
relating to:
- a strategy for implementation,
- the steps to take prior to introducing a new species,
- the steps to take after deciding to proceed with
an introduction,
- policies for ongoing introductions or transfers
which have been an established part of commercial practice,
- the steps to take prior to releasing genetically
modified organisms, and
- the steps to take prior to releasing polyploidy
organisms.
Ireland's obligations
Ireland is an ICES Member Country. Consequently, in relation to
aquaculture involving introduced species, Ireland is obliged to
implement the 2004 or more recent version of the ICES Code of
Practice on the Introductions and Transfers of Marine Organisms..
ICES Member Countries contemplating new introductions are requested
to present "in good time" to the ICES Council a detailed
prospectus on the rationale and plan for any new introduction
of a marine (brackish) species; the contents of the prospectus
are detailed in Section II of the Code and Appendix A. If any
introduction or transfer proceeds following approval, ICES requests
Member Countries to keep the Council informed about it, "both
through providing details of the broodstock established and the
fate of the progeny, and through submitting progress reports after
a species is released into the wild" (Preamble) according
to Section III of the Code.
The 2004 Code of Practice states:
"All introductions and transfers of marine organisms carry
risks associated with target and non-target species (including
disease agents). Once established, introduced species can spread
from foci of introductions and have undesirable ecological,
genetic, economic, and human health impacts.
Introductions of marine organisms occur in the course of many
human activities, including but not limited to aquaculture,
stocking, live trade (e.g., species used for aquaria, ornamentals,
bait, and food), research, biocontrol, and the use of genetically
modified organisms. Even species introduced intentionally into
closed systems can be released accidentally. Thus, introductions
can result whenever live organisms are moved, regardless of
the original intent. As a result, a risk of introduction and
subsequent impacts exists with any movement and should be considered
explicitly.
This Code of Practice provides a framework to evaluate new
intentional introductions, and also recommends procedures for
species that are part of current commercial practices to reduce
the risk of unwanted introductions, and adverse effects that
can arise from species movement."
Agencies of Member Countries "should fully implement the
Code of Practice and apply all regulatory measures possible to
prevent unauthorized introductions", and to reduce illegal
and unauthorised introductions, "Member Countries are also
encouraged to increase public awareness about the risks associated
with importing live products" (Section I Strategy for implementation).
Member Countries contemplating any new introduction are expected
to submit to the ICES Council "well in advance" a detailed
prospectus on the proposed new introduction(s) for evaluation
and comment:
"The prospectus should include the purpose and objectives
of the introduction, the stage(s) in the life cycle proposed
for introduction, the native range, the donor location, and
the target area(s) of release. The prospectus should also include
a review of the biology and ecology of the species as these
pertain to the introduction (such as the physical, chemical,
and biological requirements for reproduction and growth, and
natural and human-mediated dispersal mechanisms) and information
on the receiving environment.
The prospectus should also provide a detailed analysis of the
potential impacts on the aquatic ecosystem of the proposed introduction.
This should include, wherever possible, assessments from previous
introductions. This analysis should include a thorough review
of:
i) the ecological, genetic, and disease impacts and relationships
of the proposed introduction in its natural range and donor
location;
ii) the expected ecological, genetic, and disease impacts
and relationships of the introduction in the proposed release
site and projected range, as well as vectors for further distribution;
iii) an economic assessment, where appropriate.
The prospectus should conclude with an overall assessment of
the issues, problems, and benefits associated with the proposed
introduction. An evaluation of risks… should be included.
Upon review of the prospectus, the ICES Council will provide
comments and recommendations on the proposed introduction"
(Section II Recommended procedure for all species prior to reaching
a decision regarding new introductions).
Section III of the Code of Practice outlines the actions to be
taken if the decision is taken to proceed with the introductions,
whilst Section IV outlines the recommended procedure for introduced
or transferred species which are part of current commercial practice.
Section V concerning general considerations regarding the release
of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) states:
"Recognizing that little information
still exists on the genetic, ecological, and other effects of
the release of genetically modified organisms into the natural
environment (where such releases may result in the mixing of
altered and wild populations of the same species, and in changes
to the environment), the Council urges Member Countries to establish
strong legal measures [1] to regulate such
releases, including the mandatory licensing of physical or juridical
persons engaged in genetically modifying, or in importing, using,
or releasing any genetically modified organism."
Section VI outlines the recommended procedure
for all GMOs [2] prior to reaching a decision
regarding new releases, whilst Section VII recommends actions
if the decision is taken to proceed with the release. Sections
VII to X relate to polyploid organisms [3].
Appendix A to the Code of Practice gives detailed information
requirements for inclusion in the prospectus. This information
is used to conduct the biological risk review (Appendix B). Appendix
C concerns the quarantine process and provides detailed information
on suggested requirements for quarantine facilities. Appendix
D concerns monitoring.
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