PMSA members in the Pacific Northwest:

As we enter the high risk period for Asian Gypsy Moths (AGM) here in the Northwest, concern was raised by some members about enforcement actions, including uniform action between ports areas.

First, "APHIS asks shipping interests not to charter ships that called at Far East Russian or identified high-risk Japanese ports during the egg laying period for voyages that would put the ships in U.S. or Canadian ports during the high-risk egg hatching period."  Generally, this would be the best course of action to avoid potential problems.  However, with some additional high-risk Japanese ports on the list this year, some existing line operations are now impacted. 

High-risk ports and dates of risk are subject to annual changes due to trapping data from Russia and Japan.  The AGM Vessel Alerts List for ports of loading in Russian and Japanese ports can be found at:

Although APHIS has no regulation prohibiting the entry of AGM high-risk ships, the Plant Protection Act grants the authority to order infested ships to leave U.S. waters.  A range of inspection options are available, from inspection in-stream to inspection at a specified remote area to inspection upon arrival at berth.  There is also a range of actions to address ships on which AGM problems are detected, from treatment to ordering a ship to leave port.

Each vessel on the Vessel Alert List will be handled on a case-by-case basis, looking at the risk factors involved.  Even as CBP indicated, it is not a "one size fits all" situation.  It is difficult to predict how each case will be handled until individual case risk factors are presented.

Captain John Veentjer has been assisting PMSA PNW on this matter.  Please let us know if you have questions and Captain Veentjer or I will get back to you.  

Regards,

Captain Michael Moore