Written by GWC Ambassador Maggie Seida. All images photographed and edited by Maggie Seida unless otherwise stated.
If you’ve ever hiked through a forest, set up a tripod in a field, or packed for an assignment abroad—you’ve likely carried more than just your gear. Tiny seeds. Microscopic spores. Microbes and pathogens. These biological hitchhikers can come along unnoticed, and are called biocontamination.
Biocontamination is the unintentional transfer of living organisms—plants, microbes, insects, even diseases—into ecosystems where they don’t belong. These newcomers can crowd out native species, unravel food chains, or introduce viruses that local wildlife have no immunity against.
You don’t have to be careless to contribute to the problem. Seeds can lodge in your boot treads. Bugs can cling to your backpack. Pathogens can ride in on your tripod. Even biodegradable snacks can pose a threat if left behind.
A Global Problem with Local Consequences
As people have traveled the globe—through colonization, trade, and now tourism—we’ve introduced and spread countless organisms to new environments. Some were intentional (like crops or livestock), but many were not. The result? Invasive species that thrive too well and push native species out.
Here are just a few examples:
- Hawaii’s Endangered Birds
Avian malaria, carried by non-native mosquitoes introduced in the 1800s via larvae-infested ship water, has devastated native Hawaiian birds. With no immunity, native birds often die from a single bite. Now, researchers are using genetically modified mosquitoes in a race to save what’s left of these culturally beloved species. - Meadowgrass in Antarctica
Despite its remoteness, Antarctica isn’t immune. A 2012 study found that tourists and researchers carried about 71,000 plant seeds to the continent in one season—many embedded in clothing or gear. Invasive plants like European meadowgrass have now taken hold on some Antarctic islands, and as the climate change makes Antarctica more hospitable, more may follow. - Zebra Mussels and Boats
Native to Eastern Europe, zebra mussels have invaded North American freshwater systems via ballast water and recreational boats. These prolific invaders clog pipes, damage infrastructure, and overwhelm native species. Because they can survive out of water for weeks, they easily hitchhike between lakes on boats and trailers—especially in areas with high tourist activity.
A 2023 United Nations report attributes the spread of over 37,000 alien species to human activities, with a staggering global cost of $423 billion in 2019 alone.
Why, As Environmental Storytellers, Should We Care?
If you’re a filmmaker, photographer, scientist, or conservation storyteller, you likely spend time in ecologically unique and delicate places—alpine meadows, wetlands, remote islands, or protected reserves. These ecosystems are often the most vulnerable to biocontamination—and the least equipped to bounce back.
As people who enter these spaces for our work and our passion, we have a responsibility to protect the ecosystems we document.
Go into your next nature shoot with the peace of mind that you’re not bringing bio contaminants!
How Would I Introduce Bio-Contaminants?
- Seeds stuck in boot soles
- Bugs hiding in backpacks
Spores or pathogens clinging to tripods, drones, or tents - “Biodegradable” food scraps like banana peels or apple cores
These small stowaways can have huge, lasting impacts that are often difficult to trace and contain.
How to Minimize Your Ecological Footprint
- Clean Your Gear:
Before and after travelling, scrub and disinfect your:
- Boots and shoes (especially the treads)
- Tripods, drones, and camera gear
- Clothing (check cuffs, Velcro, and pockets)
- Backpack and camera bag (seeds love to hide in mesh!)
- Be Mindful With Organics:
Don’t toss food scraps in the wild—even if they’re compostable. Refrain from collecting flowers, shells, or seeds to bring home. They can carry pests or pathogens, too. - Know the Ecosystem:
Familiarize yourself with which species are native, invasive, or endangered. Many countries have apps or portals where you can report unusual sightings. - Use Your Platform:
Talk about your biosecurity practices, show how you prep your gear. Share them in captions, behind-the-scenes clips, or field notes. The more these practices become widespread, the better.
Biocontamination is often invisible—but its impact isn’t. Once an invasive species takes hold, it’s almost impossible to remove. Fortunately, most of it is preventable.
By taking a few extra steps, we can protect the places we’re so passionate about. Whether you’re trekking through alpine forests or documenting penguins in the south, your preparation can reduce unintended impact and keep these ecosystems intact.
Quick Pre-Travel Biosecurity Checklist
Scrub and disinfect boots and gear
Inspect clothing and packs for seeds or bugs
Avoid bringing uninspected organic materials
Check and follow local biosecurity rules
Document responsibly, and leave no trace
