Marine Invasive Non-NATIVE SPECIES
Invasive non-native species (INNS) are animals or plants that have been introduced (deliberately or accidently) by human activity to an area in which they do not naturally occur. These not only cause issues to our rivers and coastlines but they are harmful to the economy, the environment or to our health. Once present the eradication of marine INNS is nearly impossible, so following best practice biosecurity measures is key.
The main ways marine INNS spread are through ballast water, hull fouling and aquaculture stock movement.​
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Marine Invasive Non-Native species in the UK
Invasive non-native species pose a significant threat to our environment, economy and biodiversity. Each year around 10-23 new non-native species establish themselves in the UK, some of which become invasive, outcompleting native wildlife and altering ecosystems.
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Great Britian has a national strategy to manage INNS aiming to prevent their introduction, control their spread and mitigate impact. The cost of INNS to the UK economy is estimated at £1.8 billion per year.
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It is incredibly hard to remove an invasive species once it is established. So it is vital to prevent them arriving in the first place.
Activities that can move non-native marine species include:
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Shipping - ballast water or attached to boats
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Transport of fish and shellfish
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Scientific Research
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Species escaping from aquariums or trade
Japanese Skeleton Shrimp - Caprella mutica
Biosecurity
Biosecurity is the practice of preventing the spread of invasive species and diseases by taking simple precautions when moving between natural areas. This includes cleaning boots, equipment, and boats to remove any hidden seeds or organisms.
By following biosecurity measures, we can help protect our coasts, estuaries and wildlife from harmful invaders.
Check, Clean & Dry
Invasive non-native species cause serious environmental problems that can be irreversible, and interfere with the activities you enjoy by clogging propellers, damaging boats, blocking up waterways making it hard to fish or use them for paddling, and increasing the risk of flooding (GB NNSS). You can support our rivers and reduce the spread of invasive species by following the Check, Clean, Dry method.
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More information about this campaign is linked below.