Bridging aquatic invasive species threats across multiple sectors through One Biosecurity

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Ecology
• Biosecurity

Background:

• Increasing international shipping, aquaculture, and aquarium trade accelerate the global spread of invasive alien species in aquatic environments.
• Climate and biodiversity crises exacerbate biosecurity risks, yet current systems are fragmented and fail to address cross-sectoral needs.
• Existing biosecurity frameworks often overlook the common processes driving biological invasions across different sectors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the interconnectedness of biosecurity threats across human, animal, plant, and environmental sectors.
• To propose a universal, holistic approach for assessing and managing aquatic biosecurity risks.
• To enhance policy, management, and research through improved cross-sectoral cohesion and reduced redundancy.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the complex network of links between biosecurity threats across various sectors.
• Development of a universal risk assessment framework for aquatic environments.
• Conceptualization of a holistic, interdisciplinary 'One Biosecurity' approach.

Main Results:

• Identified a complex web of interconnected biosecurity risks spanning multiple sectors.
• Proposed a universal risk assessment methodology applicable across diverse aquatic biosecurity challenges.
• Highlighted the need for an integrated approach to address multifaceted threats.

Conclusions:

• A holistic, interdisciplinary 'One Biosecurity' approach is critical for minimizing risks across human, animal, plant, algal, and ecosystem health.
• This integrated strategy can reduce redundancy and foster cross-sectoral collaboration in aquatic biosecurity.
• Implementing 'One Biosecurity' is essential for effective policy, management, and research in the face of escalating global threats.