Principles of environmental risk assessment with emphasis on the New Zealand perspective.

Abstract

AbstractPrinciples of risk assessment and management for release of biological control agents are explained. An example of the application of risk assessment and management is given based on the New Zealand practice and experience. Prior to introducing any new organism into New Zealand, it is important to assess and evaluate potential adverse effects on environment and people. This paper outlines the historical basis and current legislative regime for the management of potential effects of invertebrate organisms proposed for release as biological control agents for arthropods. It describes the basis of the two main pieces of legislation - the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 and the Biosecurity Act 1993 - in the management of environmental effects of introduced organisms. The purpose of the HSNO Act is to protect the environment, and the health and safety of people and communities, by preventing or managing the adverse effects of hazardous substances and new organisms. The intentional release, in addition to importation, development, field testing or conditional release, of all new organisms is managed under the HSNO Act. This Act is implemented by an independent agency, the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand). The prior approach taken to determine the likely environmental effects of new organisms is outlined against the criteria in the HSNO Act, as well as the risk assessment and management framework. A case study involving the release of an invertebrate biological control agent is mentioned as an example of the risk assessment framework used in New Zealand.