A number of international initiatives has identified
alien invasive species as a major challenge for decision
makers at local,national,and regional levels (Table 2).
These include the Convention on Biological Diversity
(Decision V/8-Alien species that threaten ecosystems,
habitats or species),the IUCN guidelines for the
Prevention of Biodiversity Loss caused by Alien
Invasive Species,and the Draft Invasive Species
Strategy for the Pacific Islands Region. None of these
initiatives specifically target marine invasive species.
Marine invasive species are addressed in Law of the Sea
Convention Article 196—‘‘States shall take all measures
necessary to prevent,reduce and control pollution of the
marine environment resulting from the use of technologies
under their jurisdiction or control,or the
intentional or accidental introduction of species,alien
or new,to a particular part of the marine environment,
which may cause significant and harmful changes’’.