Biocontrol safety
Some people worry about the introduction of new species to New Zealand− and so do we!
Many of the plants and animals that have been purposely introduced to New Zealand in the past have become pests. So before we release a new biological control agent, approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is needed. In order to get their approval, we have to do a lot of studies to ensure that the agent won’t become a pest in its own right, and that the benefits of introduction outweigh any risks. That means testing whether the agent will attack desirable plants like native species or crops, making sure it isn’t carrying any diseases, and evaluating any other unwanted interactions it might have. The results of all these studies are included in an application for approval from EPA. The application then goes through a public comment period, in which anyone can read the application and say what they think about it. To get involved and have your say see Current Applications and Approval to Release.
Although this process can take a long time (it often takes years), it ensures we aren’t creating one pest problem trying to get rid of another.