The seas around many countries/continents can contain a number of non-native, or alien, species of plants and animals, some of which can cause problems due to their ability to out compete our native species.

Take care not to transfer alien species including seaweed between locations by cleaning your boat and checking inside the housing of retractable skegs.

Alien species from canoeing in some waters could be transferred to inland waters etc. A fish parasite (Gyrodactylus Salaris) from Europe would have serious consequences for UK salmon stocks.  It can survive in damp or wet conditions for 5 or 6 days on water recreation clothing and equipment – canoes, small boats, fishing tackle etc. It is particularly important all equipment used abroad is disinfected before re-use in the UK. 

For details of this procedure and further information visit:

/access-and-environment/environment/ and