Non-native species are plants and animals that originate from other countries and become established outside of their normal habitat. Some non-natives are harmless but others, known as invasive, can damage the environment, which in turn can affect the economy and our way of life.
For recreational boaters, this can mean restrictions on access to affected waters and therefore our boating activities. Invasive species, invasive non-indigenous species and invasive non-native species, all these terms refer to species outside of their natural range due to intentional or unintentional introduction and can have a devastating impact. As well as preying on, out-competing and displacing native wildlife, they can spread disease and block waterways. Their presence can sometimes be so damaging it can lead to an adverse effect not only on biological diversity, but also to impact on society and the economy.
Our waterways where we paddle can suffer as a result of invasive species. Invasive plants such as Floating Pennywort may restrict navigation through waterways and add significantly to the management costs of our waterways. Our navigation authorities have already spent large amounts of their budgets physically clearing huge areas of invasive plants in and along our waterways.
As a water user, you could unknowingly help to spread invasive plants and animals from one water body to another. Animals, eggs, larvae and plant fragments are easily transported in or on equipment, shoes, clothing and other damp places and can survive for a long time. For example, new research from the Environment Agency shows that a killer shrimp can survive in the moist fold of a wader for up to 15 days. Help stop the spread by following three simple steps: check, clean and dry equipment when you leave the water.
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:
/waterways-and-environment/environmental-good-practise-/ and http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/
Why is Canoe England involved?
The spread of invasive species is becoming a growing issue in both marine and inland waters around the world because they compete with native plants and wildlife and can cause major changes to our waterways. Several aquatic alien species have recently found their way to the UK. For example, there are two species of the ‘Killer shrimp’ (Dikerogammarus villosus).
There are a number of actions that clubs should take to minimise the risk of spreading alien species around the UK. By showing that the boating community is taking a pro-active stance, we can avoid potential mandatory measures being introduced to limit the spread of such species.