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Sustainability as a Framework for Considering Gene Drive Mice for Invasive Rodent Eradication

Author

Listed:
  • S. Kathleen Barnhill-Dilling

    (Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA)

  • Megan Serr

    (Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA)

  • Dimitri V. Blondel

    (Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA)

  • John Godwin

    (Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA)

Abstract

Gene drives represent a dynamic and controversial set of technologies with applications that range from mosquito control to the conservation of biological diversity on islands. Currently, gene drives are being developed in mice that may one day serve as an important tool for reducing invasive rodent pests, a key threat to island biodiversity and economies. Gene drives in mice are still in development in laboratories, and wild release of modified mice is likely a distant reality. However, technological changes outpace the existing capacity of regulatory frameworks, and thus require integrated governance frameworks. We suggest sustainability—which gives equal consideration to the environment, economy, and society—as one framework for addressing complexity and uncertainty in the governance of emerging gene drive technologies for invasive species management. We explore the impacts of rodent gene drives on island environments, including potential conservation and restoration of island biodiversity. We outline considerations for rodent gene drives on island economies, including impacts on agricultural and tourism losses, and reductions in biosecurity costs. Finally, we address the social dimension as an essential space for deliberation that will be integral to evaluating the potential deployment of gene drive rodents on islands.

Suggested Citation

  • S. Kathleen Barnhill-Dilling & Megan Serr & Dimitri V. Blondel & John Godwin, 2019. "Sustainability as a Framework for Considering Gene Drive Mice for Invasive Rodent Eradication," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:5:p:1334-:d:210704
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nicholas A. J. Graham & Shaun K. Wilson & Peter Carr & Andrew S. Hoey & Simon Jennings & M. Aaron MacNeil, 2018. "Seabirds enhance coral reef productivity and functioning in the absence of invasive rats," Nature, Nature, vol. 559(7713), pages 250-253, July.
    2. Gillespie, Robert & Bennett, Jeff, 2017. "Costs and Benefits of Rodent Eradication on Lord Howe Island, Australia," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 215-224.
    3. Kevin M Esvelt & Neil J Gemmell, 2017. "Conservation demands safe gene drive," PLOS Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(11), pages 1-8, November.
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