亚洲型舞毒蛾，现正式更名称为海绵蛾（Flighted Spongy Moth Complex - FSMC）是一种破坏性的林业害虫。目前会对抵港船舶采取亚洲型舞毒蛾管制和检查措施的非原生国的国家有：美国、加拿大、智利、阿根廷、澳大利亚和新西兰。
需要强调的是，某些国家在其官方通讯中仍然使用之前的术语“Asian Gypsy Moth”。尽管如此，这些当局正在向采用新名称“FSMC”的过渡中。
亚洲型舞毒蛾主要风险区分布在俄罗斯远东、日本、韩国和中国的港口。特别是俄罗斯远东和日本，在FSMC特定风险期（Flight Season）携带的风险较高。
Flighted Spongy Moth Complex 2024
Due to the Flighted Spongy Moth’s destructive nature, particularly in countries where the pest is not indigenous, the following countries have specific procedures in place to prevent FSMC from entering their fragile eco system:
FSMC Charter Party Clause
When negotiating charter parties, Members may wish to include the following clause if the vessel could be required to call at ports in the high-risk region during the flight period:
“Should Charterers order the vessel to a port, place, country or area infested by Flighted Spongy Moth Complex ("FSMC") or where there is risk of exposure to infestation by FSMC as reasonably determined by the Master, Charterers shall take all reasonable steps at their time and expense to ensure that the vessel does not become infested. Without prejudice to thisobligation, Charterers shall, at their time and expense, arrange for the appropriate certificate stating that the vessel is free from infestation by FSMC, its larvae or eggs to be issued by an appropriate and recognised authority to the satisfaction of the Master just prior to departure from the last port of call within the high risk area during the flight season.
Notwithstanding the issuing of such a certificate, Charterers will be responsible for any consequences whatsoever, including but not limited to time, costs and third party liabilities to cargo interests etc.,
howsoever arising, and the vessel to remain on hire/laytime to count (as applicable) should an infestation of FSMC be found or suspected and/or should delays or costs be incurred due to charterers having ordered the vessel to call at a port, place, country or area where the presence of FSMC is known or suspected.”
Details can be found below.
Introduction
The Flighted Spongy Moth Complex (“FSMC”, including Lymantria dispar asiatica, Lymantria dispar japonica, Lymantria albescens, Lymantria umbrosa, Lymantria postalba) is a highly destructive forest pest that feeds on both deciduous and coniferous trees.
The voracious appetite of FSMC larvae (caterpillars) coupled with the ability of the female moth to travel significant distances (as much as 20 nautical miles) can cause widespread defoliation leaving trees weakened and susceptible to disease and other pests.
FSMC is found primarily in Asia or Russia with a high risk of FSMC egg infestation of vessels calling at ports in Korea, Northern China (north of Shanghai; ports north of latitude 31˚15’N), and in particular the Russian Far East and Japan during the flight season of the female moth.
It is important to highlight that certain countries still employ the former term "Asian Gypsy Moth" (AGM) in their official communications. Nevertheless, these authorities are undergoing a transition towards adopting FSMC.
FSMC/AGM Flight Season
The main concern to countries attempting to prevent the introduction of the FSMC are vessels that have called at ports in an FSMC High Risk Area during the “flight season”.
The specific timing of the “flight season” differs from country to country:
Inspections
l The inspection of vessels for the presence of egg masses, their removal and disposal are the principal tools in preventing FSMC becoming established in new regions.
l Some destination countries require vessels that have called in high risk countries during the flight season to be inspected and certified free of FSMC by a nominated authority immediately prior to departure.
l If no signs of FSMC infestation are found, the nominated authority will issue the vessel with certification stating that it is free of FSMCs; depending on the issuing authority the certificate may be a “Certificate of Inspection of Freedom from the Flighted Spongy Moth Complex” or a “Phytosanitary Certificate”.
l If multiple ports in the same country or a number of ports in different countries within the high risk area are visited during the flight seasons, the official inspection should be undertaken immediately prior to departure from the last port in the high risk area during the applicable flight season.
l Regardless of any requirement for an official inspection, to mitigate the risk of infestation when calling at ports in the high-risk area during the FSMC flight season, vessels are advised to:
l Carry out a thorough visual inspection of the accommodation superstructure, decks, deck machinery, holds, cargo and cargo gear immediately prior to departure. Binoculars can be used to inspect difficult to reach areas of the vessel’s superstructure, such as the underside of bridge wings. Similarly, a small mirror attached to a stick may be used to inspect areas that are difficult to see, for example, behind pipework next to the hatch coaming.
l Carry out another thorough visual inspection while on passage to the destination port.
l Scrape off any egg masses that are found. Do not paint over them as this will not kill them. Do not remove them using high pressure water guns as some eggs may be washed over the side and immersion in saltwater does not kill them; there have been cases of FSMC eggs floating to shore and continuing to develop and hatch.
l Prior to arrival destroy any egg masses that have been scraped off. Eggs may be destroyed by placing them in alcohol, boiling them in water, freezing them or by incineration.
l Record details of all visual inspections and the removal and disposal of FSMC eggs in the vessel’s deck logbook.
Source: The West of England P&I Club
