The decline of biological control in California and Hawaii

Classical biological control has come under criticism in light of potential nontarget and indirect ecological effects. Conservation scientists and biocontrol practitioners are at odds on how to strike a balance between minimizing “biological pollution” without creating prohibitive regulatory hurdles. We analyzed data on importation permits for biocontrol organism releases in California and Hawaii over the past four decades. The results show a precipitous decline in the issuance of permits in both states. We argue that, at least in California, the greatest factor driving the decline is a corresponding diminution of institutional capacity to practice biocontrol, rather than increased regulatory obstacles. Our results suggest that the perception of risks associated with biological control threaten the future of this ecologically-based pest management strategy.