10. Invasive non-native species (INNS)

This section describes the current situation, measures and mechanisms for non-native species.

A non-native species is one that has been transported from its native range to a new region with the assistance of humans. There are around 2000 non-native species established in Great Britain, and 10% to 15% of those have negative impacts. In freshwaters, non-native species have a greater chance of becoming invasive and causing ecological and economic impacts: around 40% of species introduced to freshwaters have a negative impact. Climate change is a driver of spread of INNS, and in the Marine environment distribution of many invasive non-native species is currently limited by water temperature.

Enhancing biosecurity to reduce the spread and impacts of INNS is a key component of Defra’s 25 Year Environment Plan plan goals and targets. The ‘Invasive Non-native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain’, Defra, August 2015 (available at the Great Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat website) provides a strategic framework within which the actions of government departments, their related bodies and key partners can be better co-ordinated.

Main measures in the strategy include:

  • educating people on the risks from invasive non-native species, and how to help avoid introducing these species
  • maintaining and developing the web-based shared Non-Native Species Information Portal that shows the distribution of non-native species and more detailed factsheets for many species
  • sharing and developing expertise for early identification of potential problem species that may already be here or on their way, and the best ways to handle them
  • developing a clear framework for rapid responses when invasive species are detected for the first time in Britain
  • encouraging a partnership approach to managing invasions of species
  • supporting research on cost-effective methods to address established invasions
  • identifying main pathways of invasion

The United Kingdom has specific international and national obligations and laws to control the spread of INNS which include:

  • the Invasive Alien Species Regulation (IAS Regulation) aims to limit spread, implement controls and prevent risks from INNS. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 provide a comprehensive regulatory regime to tackle species of special concern in Great Britain
  • the IAS Regulation and the Great Britain invasive non-native species strategy focus on understanding, management and mitigation of pathways of spread
  • Infrastructure Act 2015 amended the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Part 4 Environmental control of animal and plant species allowing statutory bodies to serve species control agreements and orders for invasive non-native species
  • Marine Strategy Regulations 2010 sets targets for reduction in risk of introduction and spread of non-indigenous species, in particular invasive species
  • Import of Live Fish Act (ILFA) 1980: controls spread of non-native species and regulates the import, keeping and release of non-native fish by means of Orders relating to specific listed species
  • the Keeping and Introduction Fish (England and River Esk Catchment Area) Regulations 2015: prohibits the introduction of fish into, and the keeping of non-native fish in, inland waters without a permit
  • Prohibition of Keeping of Live Fish (Crayfish) Order 1996 prohibits (with the one exception of American signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus in areas where it has become established) the keeping of any non-native crayfish except under licence
  • Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 prohibits sale and releasing to the wild of scheduled invasive-non-native species or allowing them to escape into the wild
  • fisheries byelaws; controls fishing activities, such as bans on use of live bait (or by using the licence schemes described above)
  • Alien and Locally Absent Species in Aquaculture (England and Wales) Regulations 2011; requires permits for movement of non-native fish in aquaculture
  • The Marine Plan policy requires proposals for d and public authorities to consider measures to avoid and minimise impacts of INNS.

10.1 Other approaches

The most effective approach to the invasive non-native species pressure is to work in partnership to reduce introductions of new species and slow the spread of those that are already present by applying good biosecurity (measures which reduce the risk of spreading diseases and invasive non-native plants and animals) and promoting the ‘Check, Clean Dry’ and ‘Be Plantwise’ campaigns.

Vulnerable locations such as those with high biodiversity value or at risk from plant-induced flooding should have measures to improve and raise awareness of biosecurity as a priority.

The Environment Agency and Natural England and partners will implement rapid responses to contain and eradicate new invasions, where practicable. National management plans are in place to reduce the further spread of certain species or to reduce their impact where eradication is technically infeasible.

Direct measures to detect and eradicate invasive non-native species may be taken locally, often in partnership with others (for example with a local action group) and as part of Local Biodiversity Action Plans. Flood risk river management programmes often include measures to manage non-native plant species where they have an impact on flood risk.