Grass is not always greener: enablers and barriers of non-native species governance and management in Antarctica

Increasing human activity and climate change in Antarctica may increase the rates of non-native species introduction and establishment, resulting in potentially irreversible changes in marine and terrestrial ecological communities. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty prohibits the introduction of non-native species without a permit and mandates their removal if introduced. Despite this, management action to address non-native species introductions may be slow, in part due to the complexities of multi-Party governance. Here we examined the enablers and barriers of non-native species management in Antarctica, focusing on introduced plants. Using data gathered from fifteen semi-structured expert interviews and reflexive thematic analysis, we identified three broad categories of enablers and barriers. Enablers included use of established multi-level governance frameworks, the activities of dedicated and skilled individuals underpinning them and the implementation of appropriate environmental management measures. Barriers included the substantial differences in countries’ levels of engagement with the non-native species issue, constraints in countries’ management experience and capacity and shortcomings in policy communication and implementation both between and within stakeholders. We identified a gap in the reporting of non-native species management efforts alongside inconsistent management responses. This gap creates opportunities to strengthen information sharing and expertise. In an increasingly politicised Antarctic Treaty system, management of non-native species may present a largely uncontentious issue around which common ground may be found and expanded.