Biodiversity, biosecurity, and cruising in the Arctic and sub-Arctic

Abstract

The Arctic and sub-Arctic are increasingly subject to environmental change. An important component of such change is biological invasion in which tourism and related transport is increasingly significant. The expansion of the cruise ship and marine expedition market poses substantial threats as a potential vector of invasive species. The study examines cruise operators in the Arctic and high-latitude North Atlantic. Many operators are not members of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators. An analysis is provided of the environmental and biosecurity communications of cruise operators in the region to identify if appropriate information to reduce the likelihood of biological invasion is being provided to consumers. It is concluded that the great variability in information suggests a significant gap in the biosecurity regime for the region.