Biosecurity News and Events

Partnership approach successful against wildlife crime: This is according to the Natural Justice Update of the 18th of November 2009 which has analysed the progress made in the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime. Wildlife crime includes the purposeful release of non native species into the wild which can incur a maximum two year prison sentence and a £40,000 fine. For more details click here.
Invasive Species Workshop Nairn 31st October. This workshop brought together participants in the Highland Biodiversity Partnership Wildlife Counts Project with other INNS projects operating in the Highlands region (click here for programme) with the aim of increasing the detection and recording of selected INNS. Presentations were given by ALBA interpretations (project managers of the Wildlife Counts Project) the RAFTS Biosecurity and INNS Programme, the Water Vole Conservation Project, National Trust control of Rhododendron and the Moray/Grampian Squirrel partnership.

Trusts wishing to contact the Wildlife Counts Project should do so through Stephen Wiseman (stephen@albainterpretation.com). Participants in the Wildlife Counts Project who wish to contact their local Trust should click here and follow the appropriate links.
Responding to the Threat of Marine Non Native Species. With invasive nonnative species posing an increasing threat to our seas, coasts and estuaries, Scottish National Heritage will be holding an event for marine businesses to share best practice procedures on Tuesday 27th October at Battleby in Perthshire.

Non-native plants and animals can cause economic as well as ecological damage, often requiring expensive cleaning-up measures. This event is an opportunity for those who work in the marine environment to learn more about the risks and to consider possible responses to this threat.
The focus of the day will be on practical measures that businesses can use to reduce this threat. The emphasis will be on learning from each other and sharing experiences, both good and bad. Topics for discussion will include practical methods and strategies for the prevention, detection and control of invasive plants and animals. Recent case studies will be used to demonstrate the spread of non-native species, impacts on biodiversity, effectiveness of control methods and examples of successful management strategies.

Click here for more information about the event and to download the booking form.

Email: fiona.manson@snh.gov.uk
Call: 01738 458641
Ban on use of plant protection products containing Dichlobenil: All products containing Dichlobenil have been banned from sale since 18th March 2009 with a one year period being allowed for use of products purchased before that date. This means that after 18th March 2010 any products containing dichlobenil will no longer be authorised for use in or near watercourses.

The most commonly known products are Midstream GSR and Casoron GSR but a full list of products affected can be found by following this link.
Following the success of the June training course, a further course on American Signal Crayfish identification, ecology and control is being organised for 15th-16th October 2009. Interested Trust staff should contact the RAFTS Biosecurity Officer.
A draft of the Esks Rivers and Fisheries Trust Biosecurity Plan has been circulated for consultation. Any comments should be sent to Marshall Halliday of the Esks Rivers and Fisheries Trust.
The draft Deveron, Bogie and Isla Fisheries Trust Biosecurity Plan and Argyll Fisheries Trust Biosecurity Plan have been distributed for consultation. Comments on the plans should be sent to Richie Miller of the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Fisheries Trust and Craig MacIntyre of the Argyll Fisheries Trust respectively.
RAFTS Biosecurity Planning has been highlighted in two press articles in the Press and Journal and Scotsman
Non Native Species Secretariat publishes ID Sheets for 17 species on RAFTS watch list.