Invasive SpeciesA Threat to Maui Agriculture

Until recently, Maui County was protected from invasive species by the ocean channels separating the islands and separating us from the mainland and other countries.  However, we still endure invasions of damaging pests, plants and animals.  Some like snakes are brought intentionally by pet owners who don’t know any better. Some like Talapia and the snails which are attacking our Keanae taro fields were brought by uninformed people who thought they’d make good food.  Some like coque frogs are shipped in landscaping materials and plants.

And many like fire ants, myconia, gall wasps and so on are spread unintentionally, hitch-hiking on vehicles, shoes, airplanes, balast water, ships and so on.

Invasive species pose a severe threat to agricultural operations which depend on exports.  Unless they can get a certificate that their land is free from invasive pests, they are unable to export their products.