Tristan da Cunha Conservation Documents

Biosecurity Measures for Visiting Vessels

Tristan da Cunha Government

For the Attention of the Captain of All Visiting Vessels to Tristan and the Outer Islands

Biosecurity measures to be implemented by all vessels, passengers and visitors to Tristan da Cunha and the Outer Islands (Gough, Inaccessible, Nightingale, Stoltenhoff, Alex/Middle Island)

Vessels include cargo ships, cruise ships, yachts, fishing trawlers, oceanographic research vessels, transport ships, Royal Navy etc.

Downloadable PDF: Biosecurity Measures for Visiting Vessels

Why is biosecurity in Tristan and the outer islands particularly important?

The Tristan islands have many unique species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world and these could be threatened by the arrival of new species. The Tristan da Cunha (TDC) Marine Protection Zone was recently awarded Blue Park status and two of the islands are also UNESCO World Heritage sites. Invasive non-native alien plants and animals can damage this pristine marine and terrestrial environment. They can spread rapidly, killing native plants and animals. Once they establish, they are very difficult to eradicate. It is therefore critical that we take steps to prevent their introduction.

Every vessel and visitor have a valuable role and contribution to make in protecting this unique Territory. Visitors must always follow the Tristan da Cunha Government's biosecurity measures, remain vigilant, report any concerns immediately and help to educate and inform people about the risks faced and the long-term solutions.

General Measures for Vessels

The primary risk to terrestrial biodiversity associated with vessels (as opposed to the cargo they carry) is the potential for vessels to harbour rodents that are subsequently transferred ashore.

• A valid Ship's Sanitation Certificate must be maintained.
• At least two rodent bait stations with poison bait must be carried on-board and regularly inspected by the Master.
• If rodents are discovered on board, vessels are required to leave TDC territorial waters and to head to the most appropriate port for remedial action and for a new sanitation inspection. TDC Government must be satisfied that the infestation is cleared before approval to re-enter TDC territorial waters is granted.
• Insect sticky traps should be placed in food storage areas and replaced when necessary.
• Where possible, electric UV insect killers should be used in food storage areas.

Hull Cleaning and Maintenance (visiting vessels)

1. Prior to arriving in Tristan da Cunha waters
   • Thoroughly clean the hull at the last port of departure:
     • Clean all niche areas (rudder, propeller, and hull fittings) and equipment to ensure that they are free from biofouling organisms.
     • Apply a good, thorough, and functioning antifouling coating prior to travelling to TDC.
   • Inspect, clean and air-dry (for at least 48 hours) any marine equipment prior to using it in TDC (e.g. ropes, anchors, chains, fishing lines etc).
2. Before moving to a different island
   • Before moving to a different island within the TDC Archipelago, please carry out a thorough inspection of all kit and clean off any visible plants, animals, or mud. Fully immerse all marine equipment, gear in fresh water, and dry it completely. If possible, the equipment should be dried for at least 48 hours before using it in around a different island. This also applies to scientists deploying equipment in TDC waters. A permit is also required prior to conducting scientific research in Tristan da Cunha's waters.

Ballast Water

• It is illegal to discharge a polluting substance including ballast water whilst in TDC waters. Vessels are requested to discharge their ballast water >200nm from the coast and in water at least 200 metres deep; or, if that is not possible, as far from the nearest land as possible, and in all cases at least 50 nautical miles from the nearest land and in water at least 200 metres deep.

Cargo/Luggage/Equipment

1. Prior to arriving in Tristan da Cunha waters
   • All cargo should be checked before leaving port - no plants, animals or soil may be brought ashore to Tristan or to the outer islands. For vessels departing Cape Town, checks will be conducted by the TDC Government biosecurity officers.
   • All building materials must be free from any invasive species and carry appropriate documentation to certify that they are free from contaminants.
   • Personal boxes and tote bins should be packed, sealed, and stored prior to departure in a clean area free of weeds, invertebrates, and rodents. Bins should ideally be packed during the day so as not to attract invertebrates with artificial light.
2. Before Landing
   • TDC Government Officers will inspect the cargo and if invasive species or foreign contaminants are found, the cargo will not be allowed off the vessel and TDC Government will fine the company/supplier for contravening the biosecurity policy.
   • All luggage and equipment to be brought ashore (such as daypacks, camera bags, tripods, walking poles etc.) must be thoroughly inspected and brushed out / vacuumed, if necessary, to remove soil, seeds, invertebrates, and any other organic matter prior to disembarking.
3. After Landing
   • Any cargo that has been brought ashore and is found to have non-native species or contaminants will be quarantined and either returned to the vessel or destroyed.
   • Photographic evidence will be taken and TDC Government will fine the supplier of the material.
   • TDC Government Officers will carry out spot checks of all visitors' clothing, footwear, luggage, and equipment as they come ashore.

Personnel

1. Completing the Biosecurity Self-Audit Checklist and Declaration
   • The Visit Permit Holder on ships (normally the Captain, Expedition Leader or Environmental Officer) should vigilantly ensure that all passengers, staff and any crew going ashore, carry out the required biosecurity checks and complete the 'Biosecurity Self-Audit Checklist and Declaration' before landing (see below).
   • The TDC Government Officer will inspect these. If a vessel is permitted to undertake landings prior to arriving at Tristan (at Gough or any of the other outer islands), the Permit holder must contact the Head of the Conservation Department to confirm that all persons going ashore have completed the biosecurity checks and signed the declaration.
   • On merchant, MoD and fishing vessels, the Master, Chief Officer / Executive Officer or another senior officer must be responsible for overseeing this procedure.
2. Before going ashore:
   • Inspect all clothing before arrival and again between landing sites.
   • Wash off and/or remove all soil, seeds, and any other organic material from all clothes to be worn ashore.
   • Pay particular attention to all Velcro, socks, footwear, gaiters, pockets, turn-ups in trousers and hoods of jackets (pockets to be turned inside out). Special attention must be given to seams and pockets.
   • Clean and wash all external surfaces of any footwear that will be worn ashore (preferably with a biocide e.g. Virkon).
   • Inspect all equipment – daypacks and camera bags must be brushed out and/or vacuumed to remove all soil, seeds, and organic material before disembarking at the Tristan islands. Visitors must also inspect luggage and equipment between landings.
3. Boot Washing
   • Boot washing with a biocide (e.g. Virkon) is obligatory for all passengers, staff and crew coming ashore (Virkon concentration required is 35g per 10ltrs of water). Boot washing must be overseen by a designated competent member of staff/crew.
   • Boot washing facilities should be cleaned and refilled for each new landing.
   • Passengers and staff returning from the shore should wash off soil and organic material with seawater before embarking on the boat or helicopter to return to the ship.
   • TDC Government Officers will randomly inspect boot washing facilities and procedures on visiting vessels (including yachts).

Infringements

• The initial fine for a biosecurity breach is £1,000 for any contaminated cargo/equipment or breach by a visitor, and £5,000 for any subsequent breach.

Further Information

For further information on biosecurity, please contact:

• Trevor Glass, Head of Conservation, Tristan da Cunha Government, E-mail: trevorg@tdc-gov.com, Telephone: +44 (0)20 3014 5016
• Julian Repetto, Biosecurity Officer, Tristan da Cunha Government, Email: conservationj.bios@gmail.com

Government of Tristan da Cunha

Biosecurity Self-Audit Checklist and Declaration

To be completed and signed by each person going ashore at Tristan or the Outer Islands

The Tristan Islands have many unique species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, but these could be threatened by the arrival of new species and novel diseases. One of the biggest threats to biodiversity is from invasive species, and all visitors can help in preventing new non-native species arriving in Tristan da Cunha or moving established non-natives between the islands.

It is imperative that all visitors to Tristan or to the Outer Islands (Gough, Inaccessible, Nightingale, Stoltenhoff, Alex/Middle Islands) meet their biosecurity obligations.

'All visitors' includes returning Tristanians, tourists, expatriate workers, vessel crew, expedition staff, scientists, forces personnel, and anyone (TdC resident or non-resident) visiting the outer islands.

Checks to be carried out and completed forms handed in prior to disembarking:

• Equipment inspection: rucksacks, day-bags, camera bags, walking poles, etc. must be brushed out and/or vacuumed to remove all soil, seeds and any other organic material before disembarking.
• Clothing inspection: wash off and/or remove all soil, seeds and any other organic material. Pay particular attention to all Velcro, socks, pockets, turn-ups in trousers and hoods of jackets (pockets to be turned inside out).
• Footwear cleaning: clean and wash external surfaces of all footwear that will be worn ashore (preferably with a biocide, eg. Virkon, concentration required is 35g per 10ltrs of water).
• Personal luggage/cargo: suitcases, boxes, tote bins must be new or clean inside. They must be packed, sealed and stored in a clean area, free of weeds, invertebrates and rodents.

NAME: _____________________________________________

• I have inspected my luggage and equipment prior to arrival at Tristan and/or the outer islands.
• I have inspected all my clothing prior to arrival at Tristan and/or the outer islands.
• I have washed my boots and all my footwear that will be worn at Tristan and/or the outer islands.
• I am not bringing any plants, animals, or soil to Tristan or to the outer islands.

DECLARATION: I confirm that I have carried out the preventative measures outlined above, and that I have read and understood the Tristan biosecurity information provided on board my vessel.

I have complied with these measures to the best of my ability, and I acknowledge that a failure to comply with these measures may result in an initial fine of £1,000, and a delay or disruption to my visiting Tristan or the outer islands.
 

SIGNED: ____________________________________________
 

DATED: ______________________________VESSEL: ______________________________

 

Downloadable PDF: Biosecurity Measures for Visiting Vessels