Openbaar Lichaam Sint Eustatius: The Price We Pay: Why Statia Must Stop Invasive Species at the Border

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or organisms that cause or are likely to cause environmental, economic, or human health harm1. Preventing them from arriving is far more effective and less costly than managing them after they settle, or worse, doing nothing. Doing nothing can increase population size, monetary costs, and other social and ecological impacts such as biodiversity loss, soil degradation, threats to local wildlife, crop destruction, infrastructure, and threaten the development of the local economy.

The State of Nature Report for the Caribbean Netherlands 20242 shows that free roaming animals, Corallita and other invasive species continue to harm ecosystems, reduce vegetation quality, and threaten food production and water management. Based on the report Economic Impact of IAS in the Caribbean: Case Studies3, by Mr. Naitram Ramnanan from CABI, evidence from around the world demonstrates that timely intervention works: on Allen Cay in the Bahamas, removing invasive mice allowed native iguanas and seabirds to recover, and on Anacapa Island in North America, removing invasive rats doubled seabird nesting success and restored ecosystem balance. These examples show that prevention and removal lead to measurable ecological recovery. Simultaneously, it prevents islands from having to spend resources trying to control invasive species when they are already causing harm. These findings reinforce the importance of early prevention and coordinated action by both government and community.

The Statia Government is taking proactive steps:

A biosecure fence will be installed at the harbor to stop unwanted species from arriving.
The Public Health Department inspects and fumigates containers carrying imports such as garden plants.
Continuous monitoring by NEPP and STENAPA helps detect species before they spread.

You can help protect Statia:

Inspect all agricultural deliveries (plants, plant cuttings, seeds) before bringing them to Statia. Look for insects, eggs, or hidden animals.
Avoid bringing live animals to and from Statia without proper permits and quarantine approval.
Dispose of garden and household waste responsibly to prevent accidental spread.
Report any unusual objects on your agricultural deliveries to the Public Health Department immediately on +599 318 2796 or to the Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Services on +599 318 2757.

Preventing invasive species protects Statia’s biodiversity, supports local food systems, and saves both money and ecological costs. To protect our ecosystem and maintain the island for our future generations, the Statia Government encourages collective action in fighting invasive species.

References:

1What are Invasive Species? | National Invasive Species Information Center. (n.d.). https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species

2 State of Nature Report for the Caribbean Netherlands 2024:

State of Nature Report for the Caribbean Netherlands 2024 | Rapport | Rijksoverheid.nl

3 Ramnanan, N. (Ed.). (2014). Economic impact of IAS in the Caribbean: Case studies. CABI. https://www.cabi.org/Uploads/CABI/about-us/Scientists%20output/Economic_impact_in_the_Caribbean.pdf