March 2013 Asian Gypsy Moth Updates and Shipping Requirements
March 2013
Asian gypsy moth (AGM) is a serious pest that can be
carried on the superstructure of ships and cargo. AGM populations are prevalent
in some seaport areas in Far East Russia, Japan, Korea, and Northern China. If
introduced, AGM would pose a significant risk to the North American plant
resource base, businesses that rely on plant resources, and to market access. Vessels
must arrive to North American ports with required pre-departure certification
and free of AGM. It is vital that the maritime industry and the United
States (U.S.) and Canadian authorities collaborate on measures to minimize the
risk of AGM incursion. Although the agricultural agencies of the U.S. and
Canada are independent and have variances in their laws, AGM risk mitigation
and exclusion efforts are a joint effort and considered a high priority.
In 2012, United States and Canadian authorities
intercepted a large number of vessels with AGM egg masses on the
superstructures of ships and cargo. Many vessels arriving to North America with
AGM life stages present resulted in those vessels being ordered into
international waters to mitigate risk of introduction. In all cases of vessels
arriving without the required AGM certification, or upon detection of AGM,
significant delays in cargo loading or discharging activities as well as in
routine clearance can occur, resulting in loss of revenue to the shipping line
and associated parties. When these events occur, the vessels are unable to
conduct cargo operations, miss cargo charters, and experience significant
schedule delays.
In 2012, it was reported that high numbers of AGM adults
were flying in some port areas at the time of pre-departure inspections.
Inspection certificates indicated large numbers of egg masses had been removed
and some ship crews reported removing hundreds of egg masses
post-certification. Upon arrival in North America, there were detections on
vessels that had obtained pre-departure certification. In some cases,
certification was found to have been issued many days prior to ship departure
from an area regulated for AGM, allowing for re-infestation. Therefore, it is
important that inspection and certification be conducted as close to time of
departure as feasible. It is also of vital importance that a ship’s crew
ensures freedom from AGM by conducting inspection of the ship superstructure
while en route to North America and removing and destroying all life stages of
AGM detected.
The shipping industry has markedly enhanced awareness of
necessary quarantine compliance for AGM. This has been vital to maintaining
shipping schedules. Both countries are committed to working with industry
partners to support measures that will reduce AGM risk at origin. U.S. and
Canadian officials seek increased collaboration with shipping lines, agents,
and associations in order to mitigate the risk of introduction of AGM while
minimizing impacts on trade.
Please See Attachment for the rest of this AGM update (including a table on Actions taken).
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