Invasive non native species and fish diseases damage our environment, the economy, our health and the way we live. They already cost the Scottish economy and therefore us upwards of £500 million per year and the UK economy £2-£6 billion per year. The expansion of world trade and the tourism market to include more destinations coupled with the impacts of climate change have led to the increased introduction, establishment and spread of invasive non native species and fish diseases in Scotland and the UK. If nothing is done the costs to our environment, economy and health will only increase. We need your support to increase awareness and better understanding of Invasive Non Native Species and Biosecurity issues and impacts and what can be done about them.

What are Invasive Non Native Species?

Invasive non native species (INNS) are any non-native animal or plant that has the ability to spread causing damage to the environment, the economy, our health and the way we live.

Non native species have long been introduced and used as ornamental plants or pets and only a small minority of them are or will become invasive (SNH, 2000). However, the threat from invasive species is growing at an increasing rate assisted by climate change, pollution and habitat disturbance. They are now recognised as the greatest threat to biodiversity next to habitat destruction and they threaten our native plants, animals and habitats.Globally, INNS have contributed to 40% of the animal extinctions that have occurred in the last 400 years (CBD, 2006). Many countries including Scotland are now facing complex and costly problems associated with invasive species:

• In the UK Japanese Knotweed is thought to affect an area roughly the size of London and Defra has estimated the total cost of its removal using current techniques at £1.56bn.
• £25 million is the estimated cost of clearing the invasive Rhododendron ponticum from the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

What is Biosecurity?

• SEARS in their Biosecurity Guidance states that "Good biosecurity practice refers to a way of working that minimises the risk of contamination and the spread of animals and plant pests and diseases, parasites and non-native species".
• A Scottish Government report estimated the potential Net Economic Value loss to Scotland of the introduction of the salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris at £633 million with severe consequences for rural communities.

The Need for Action

Without some form of coordinated and systematic approach to the prevention of introduction and control of the spread of INNS and fish diseases, it is likely that the ecological, social and economic impacts and the costs for mitigation, control and eradication of these species and diseases will continue to increase.

The Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS) has recognised the importance of the prevention, control or eradication of invasive species and diseases in river catchments and with support from the Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Esmeé Fairbairn Foundation has initiated the RAFTS Biosecurity and Invasive Species Programme.