New invasive species portal in Wales
Know your native and invasive non-native species
The National Biodiversity Network Atlas Wales,
a free online tool that facilitates learning about and understanding Welsh
wildlife, has released a new Invasive Non-Native Species
(INNS) Portal.
The Portal supplements the GB Non-native
Species Information Portal and its Alerts Mechanism by
providing a unique facility to view and search for INNS specifically of
interest to Wales.
The INNS Portal includes over 300
terrestrial, freshwater and marine species of interest to
Wales and allows species occurrences and distribution to be searched
for and downloaded individually or collectively by list.
Species include those listed under EU and
national legislation and those of policy and practical interest, including
those identified as Wales Priority Invasive Non-Native Species for Action by
the Wales
Biodiversity Partnership INNS Group.
The partnership brings together key players
from the public, private and voluntary sectors to promote and monitor
biodiversity and ecosystem action in Wales. It provides a leadership role and
an expert steer on priorities for action on biodiversity and ecosystems in
Wales.
What’s the risk?
Invasive non-native species can block up
waterways, make navigation difficult, and cause irreparable damage to the
environment – and water users may unknowingly be spreading them from one water
body to another. Animals, eggs, larvae and tiny plant fragments can easily be
carried on boards, equipment, shoes and clothing, and some can survive out of
water in damp conditions for over two weeks.
Campaign Manager for The Green Blue, Kate Fortnam,
explains: “Everyone has a role to play in improving biodiversity and
ecosystems. We need to make the natural environment which we all depend on an
integral part of our everyday lives. It’s important that boaters demonstrate
that they’re doing all they can to reduce the spread of invasive species in
order to help protect our environment.
“Unwanted non-native plants and animals are
invading our waterways and pose a serious threat to our lakes, rivers, streams
and coastline. Once in a waterway these invasive species can disperse rapidly,
adversely affecting recreational facilities, reducing fish populations and
restricting navigation.
“Some freshwater pests are microscopic and
can be spread by a single drop of water. Even if you can’t see the danger, you
could be spreading it. To stop the spread of invasive species you must Check,
Clean, Dry your clothing and equipment when you are moving from one
waterway to another, anywhere in the UK.”
Help getting started
Wales has commitments under the GB Invasive
Non-Native Species Strategy to take action to prevent, detect, eradicate and
manage INNS. The INNS Portal will support these commitments by giving better
access to INNS data. As well as being of help in Wales, the unique access to
species via lists will be of benefit at GB, UK and European level.
For help in getting started, see the INNS
Portal User Guide. Records can be easily submitted through the free iRecord App and the newly
launched LERC Wales App.
For specific advice on aquatic invasive
species, visit www.thegreenblue.org.uk.
Boaters can also head to www.rya.org.uk/go/alienspecies to
find out more about how to ‘Stop the Spread.’