Applications to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for imports of alien species and new toxins seem to be coming in thick and fast. Environment and Conservation Organizations of Aotearoa New Zealand needs help from entomologists, botanists, biochemists and others in helping to understand the possible impacts of these. One that ECO decided to conditionally support is for the import of the samurai wasp as a predator on the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in the event that this highly destructive creature evades biosecurity controls and arrives on our shores. There are risks from the wasp, but those from the Stink Bug seems worse. Email ECO here.
Imports of alien species - ECO seeking advice