Mark Iley

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Mark Iley Biodiversity Coordinator 01621
862975 marki_at_essexwt.org.uk www.essexbiodiversity.
org.uk
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Killer shrimp!
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• Only 10 thought that plants, animals and
  insects not normally found in the UK had an
  effect on biodiversity.
• (only 50 of those questioned had heard of or
  understood the term biodiversity)

2009 DEFRA report on Public attitudes and
behaviour towards the environment
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What are invasive non-native species?

• There are 2,721 non-native species living in
  England of which the majority (1,798 or 66) are
  plants.
• Most non-native species do not cause problems.
  Only a minority have become invasive and have
  negative impactson agriculture, forestry or
  biodiversity interests.
• Invasive non-native species are the second
  biggest threat to biodiversity worldwide.
  Globally, invasive species cost an estimated 914
  billion pa and are the cause of half all
  extinctions. Considered even more damaging than
  pollution or climate change.

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What are invasive non-native species?

• Invasive non-native species come from all over
  the world, some from continental Europe (e.g.
  Zebra Mussels) some from Asia (e.g. Chinese
  Mitten Crab), some from America (Grey Squirrel,
  Mink, Ruddy Duck, Ludwigia, Signal Crayfish),
  some from Africa (Hottentot Fig) and some from
  Australia (Australian flatworm) and New Zealand
  (NZ Pigmyweed, NZ flatworm).        
• intentional (e.g. deliberate release of
  non-native species like ) and some
• unintentional (e.g. by hitch-hiking on food or
  other goods imported into Britain or by escaping
  from captivity (e.g. American mink)).
• Some marine species are transported large
  distances on ships or in ships ballast water
  (e.g. Chinese mitten crabs). 
• Many plant species are brought in intentionally
  as part of the horticulture trade but some then
  become established in the wild after that are
  disposed of irresponsibly or escape. 

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Are they increasing and spreading?

• Yes, the number of non native species becoming
  established in the UK is likely to increase due
  to the growth in world trade and global tourism. 
  
• Climate change may also allow species that are
  currently benign in Britain to become invasive.
• The risks associated with invasive non-native
  species are therefore likely to remain a feature
  of our lives.

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Should I care - how do they affect me?

• They are expensive! Recent estimates suggest that
  their total cost is about 2 billion pa
  (Pimentel, 2002). Increased flooding risk and
  damage to infrastructure, bridges, water
  treatment facilities, impact on fisheries etc.
  The cost of control of invasive water weeds alone
  is over 3 million pa
• The biodiversity impacts of invasive non-native
  species are severe and growing, challenging the
  survival of our rarest species for Red
  squirrel, Water vole, White clawed crayfish etc
  and damaging some of our most sensitive
  ecosystems, particularly freshwater
• Some species have a direct impact on our health
  (eg Giant Hogweed, oak processionary moth,
  terrapins (which can carry Salmonella)
• Unlike some other serious environmental problems,
  such as pollution, the effect of an invasive
  non-native species is not a one off event.  Once
  a species has been introduced the problems
  persist and escalate as the species spreads. 
• If we don't act, the problem of invasive
  non-native species will continue to escalate at
  an ever increasing rate, causing us to feel more
  of the impacts and incur more cost every year.

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Are all non-native species going to be eradicated?

• No, The UK non-native species framework strategy
  is concerned primarily with prevention
• The UK strategy is concerned with addressing only
  those non-native species that are thought to
  present a significant risk of being invasive.  
• It is recognised that eradication is usually only
  practically feasible and financially affordable
  in the early stages of an invasion. 
• Once invasive species are well established, it is
  usually a case of mitigation measures and
  localised or possibly regular removal.

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Japanese Knotweed

• Japanese knotweed is one of the most notorious
  invasive alien species in Britain today. Native
  to Japan, Taiwan and Northern China, it was
  introduced to Britain in the 19th century as an
  ornamental plant.
• It spreads solely by vegetative means (it does
  not produce viable seeds) and a new plant can
  grow from a tiny fragment of root or stem.
• The plant has negative impacts on biodiversity
  through the smothering of native vegetation.
• DO NOT FLAIL MOW this plant. Do not use
  mechanical control as this is likely to spread
  and increase infestation unless coupled with
  chemical control of the residues or burning on
  site.
• .
• Digging, ploughing and dredging are unlikely to
  have any long-term benefit because of the
  extensive nature of the rhizome system and
  because of the ability of even small fragments to
  regrow.
• The only herbicide approved for use in or near
  water which controls this plant is glyphosate.
  Spray in August - October during the flowering
  period. Control is usually improved if the
  herbicide is applied to both sides of the leaves.
  
• Herbicides containing picloram (Tordon 22K),
  imazapyr (Arsenal) and triclopyr (Garlon 4) are
  more effective away from the waters edge.

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Giant Hogweed

• Giant hogweed was first introduced to the UK in
  1893 as an ornamental plant. Each plant can grow
  up to 5m in height and produce up to 50,000
  seeds. It forms dense colonies which shade out
  native vegetation.
• This species also poses a threat to public
  health. A toxic chemical in the sap sensitizes
  the skin which can lead to severe blistering when
  exposed to sunlight. THIS REACTION CAN RECUR FOR
  MANY YEARS.
• Hand cutting should never be undertaken unless
  the operator is wearing full protective clothing
  to prevent skin contamination by the sap. Machine
  operators should take similar precautions because
  the sap can be spread onto machinery and
  subsequently come into contact with skin
• The only herbicide which is known to control
  Giant Hogweed and which is approved for use in or
  near water, is glyphosate.
• Spray individual plants or whole colonies with
  glyphosate in April or May. Spot treat new plants
  as they appear.

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Himalayan Balsam

• Himalayan balsam was introduced to the UK in 1839
  as an ornamental plant at Kew gardens and was
  first recorded in the wild in 1855. It forms
  dense stands of vegetation 2-3m in height that
  shade out native plant species.
• Himalayan balsam is also a prolific nectar
  producer, meaning that bees will preferentially
  visit these plants. This reduces seed production
  in native plant species and biodiversity as a
  whole.
• The plant is easy to cut, either by hand or
  machine, provided there is adequate access.
  Unless the plant is cut below the lowest node, it
  will regrow and flower later in the season. Thus,
  a single cut is only effective if made very close
  to the soil level. Small infestations can be
  controlled by hand pulling as the plant is
  shallow rooted.
• The seedbank lasts for approximately 18 months,
  so two years control should eradicate the plant
  if there is no further infestation from upstream
• Control existing infestations of Himalayan Balsam
  by spraying with glyphosate, 2,4-D amine or by
  regular cutting. Carry out regular inspections of
  the banks in spring and hand pull or spot treat
  any germinating seedlings with a weed wiper or
  knapsack sprayer.

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Floating Pennywort

• Floating pennywort is native to North America.
  After being introduced as an aquatic garden plant
  in the Eighties, this 'water triffid' soon went
  wild The species was first found in the wild in
  Britain in 1990 at a site in Essex.
• It grows in huge, dense mattresses that choke
  waterways, starving the water of light, oxygen
  and nutrients. Under UK conditions mats of
  vegetation have been observed to grow up to 15
  metres from the bank in a single season, growing
  at approximately 20 cm per day!
• The plant reproduces principally by asexual,
  vegetative means and a new plant can grow from a
  single node
• For effective long-term control Reglone should be
  employed. Follow up any treatment programme with
  an inspection after a period of one month
  incorporating spot treatments of herbicide or
  physical removal where necessary.
• When mechanical cutting the affected areas should
  be fenced off to prevent the downstream spread of
  the plant. All cut foliage should be removed from
  the water body.
• Physical control methods are likely to have
  limited effect other than a short-term reduction
  in the local extent of the plant. Remove this
  plant as soon as it is observed.

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Australian/NZ Swamp StonecropCrassula

• Also known as New Zealand Pygmy Weed, this
  aquatic plant was introduced to Britain from
  Tasmania in 1911 and was first recorded in the
  wild in 1956. Crassula is an extremely invasive
  species which is not easy to control.
• It forms dense mats on water bodies that shade
  out other aquatic vegetation, consequently having
  a negative impact upon fish and invertebrate
  communities.
• Crassula can also increase the risk of flooding
  and restrict amenity activities, such as fishing.
  
• DO NOT PRACTICE MECHANICAL CONTROL ON THIS PLANT.
  The fragments that are produced by cutting and
  tearing can regrow and spread the infestation
  downstream or re-infest the treated area.
  Fragments as small as 5mm can regrow.
• Crassula is only really susceptible to herbicide
  formulations containing glyphosate. (Diquat has
  been withdrawn from aquatic use by the EU, but
  the products are the subject of appeals to
  reinstate their use on this species).
• It is recommended that at least 70 of dense
  infestations is treated at one time to reduce
  recolonisation from untreated areas. Treatment of
  the remaining 30 should be carried out after
  1week. The dead material should be removed two to
  three weeks after treatment if possible, but can
  remain in the waterbody if necessary.

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Parrots Feather

• Parrot's feather is native to Central and South
  America and has been grown in water gardens in
  the UK since 1878. First found in the wild in
  1960, it does not spread by seed (as all the
  plants in the UK are female) but is able to
  re-grow from small fragments of parent plants.
• Parrot's feather can cause flooding by blocking
  watercourses and drainage channels. It also
  out-competes native species, reducing overall
  biodiversity.
• Mechanical control is effective for removing
  large infestations of this plant in areas where
  access is available for weed cutting buckets or
  boats. Care should be taken to restrict the
  downstream movement of stem fragments which will
  result from cutting operations as regrowth is
  rapid from this type of propagule. The stems of
  this species are especially brittle and
  fragmentation occurs readily when the plant is
  cut.
• The plant is controlled by applications of
  dichlobenil in April. It is also controlled by
  herbicides containing 2,4-D amine as the active
  ingredient in early April. It is also controlled
  by applications of glyphosate late in the season,
  and also to some extent by applications from
  April onwards.
• Chemical control will lead to a short-term
  eradication of this species, as recolonisation
  from original sources will often occur. It is
  important to establish where the infestation has
  come from and take action to eliminate the source
  of material.

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American Mink

• The American Mink (Mustela vison) was brought to
  Great Britain in the early 20th century for fur
  farming, but became established in the wild after
  escapes and deliberate releases.  By the middle
  of the 20th century mink had become widespread. 
• Among their prey is the native and protected
  Water Vole (Arvicola terrestris).  Since the
  introduction of mink, Water Voles have rapidly
  declined by as much as 94 and are 'one of the
  most rapid and serious declines of any British
  wild mammal during the 20th century'
• They are opportunistic predators and will take a
  wide variety of prey, in addition to water voles,
  including water bird eggs and nestlings
• At the moment lethal trapping is the only
  feasible method for containing or eradicating
  mink. Traps can be placed along the riverbank or
  on floating rafts. In most areas live-traps are
  recommended to avoid non-target impacts.
  Exclusion devices for otters should be used when
  appropriate.
• Essex Wildlife Trust Water for Wildlife Officer
  coordinating mink trapping

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American Signal Crayfish

• Native to North America, signals carry a disease,
  crayfish plague, that is deadly to our threatened
  native white-claw crayfish. Introduced for food
  in the late 1970s and 1980s but spread quickly
  across much of the UK.
• Distinguishing nonnative species from the
  threatened native white-clawed crayfish is
  essential. Compared to the native species, the
  signal crayfish is much larger and its claws are
  red underneath with a small turquoise / white
  blotch on the surface.
• Spreads up and downstream and may cross land to
  colonise adjacent water bodies. Human transfer,
  although illegal, still continues.
• Negative impacts include the almost complete loss
  of the native crayfish through the spread of
  disease and direct competition. Also undermines
  riverbanks through burrowing and predates on
  native fish eggs and aquatic invertebrates.
• License required form EA to trap

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Chinese Mitten Crab

• This Asian species has made its home in some UK
  fresh waters, including the Thames. It damages
  riverbanks by burrowing into them, and
  out-competes native species.
• It is no longer possible to prevent the arrival
  of Chinese mitten crabs into Great Britain and
  now it has arrived, it can be expected to spread
  through natural dispersal. However, intervention
  may be possible to prevent new populations
  becoming established in uninfested rivers.
• No methods of mechanical management are known,
  although in some parts of the world, the species
  is caught using traps. Should a commercial
  fishery be developed for this species, care would
  need to be taken that crabs are not introduced
  deliberately into new river systems to develop
  new fisheries as has been the case with the
  signal crayfish.

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Topmouth Gudgeon

• Introduced to the wild in Britain in the 1960s
  from their native Asia
• They breed at four-times the rate of native fish
  and carry a parasite, similar to, or possibly the
  same as, a disease called "rosette agent" which
  is found in some US fish stocks - known to be
  deadly to salmon and trout.
• Topmouth gudgeon also eat vast quantities of
  plant life, invertebrates and fish eggs which
  upsets the natural balance of a pond, lake or
  river. As a result, algal blooms can occur
  turning the water into a green soup. Topmouth
  gudgeon are extremely difficult to get rid of.
  Rotanone (fish pesticide) can be used to kill all
  fish in ponds but is not usable in larger
  waterbodies or rivers
• Topmouth fry, which can be the size of an
  eyelash, can be hidden away in the mouths and
  gills of other fish and get accidentally
  transferred to other waters.
• Topmouth gudgeon is listed as a category 5 risk
  species under the Importation of Live Fish Act
  (ILFA) which is the highest level of risk. It is
  an offence to introduce any fish or eggs of fish
  into the wild without the prior written consent
  of the Environment Agency.

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American bullfrog

• The American bullfrog eats almost any other
  species, and carries a disease that has wiped out
  many other frog and toad populations. It breeds
  rapidly, with each female laying up to 30,000
  eggs at a time.
• It is very important to prevent further releases
  into the wild. Education programmes are needed to
  reduce the rate of introduction.
• Control of American bullfrogs in Britain has led
  successfully to local eradication. Methods
  employed are egg collection, tadpole trapping and
  the shooting of juvenile and adult animals.

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Can we really do anything about non-native
species?

• Government can ensure that there are
  adequate inspections on imports to detect
  invasive species and can support research and
  management of invasive species where appropriate.
  
• The GB Non-native Species Strategy sets out the
  measures the to raise awareness and understanding
  of the risks, to gather information and to
  minimise the risks of further introductions or
  establishment of invasive species. 
• Surveillance and monitoring of non-native species
  is key
• Organisations covering a wide range of interests
  from business to hobbies can help inform their
  members about these issues and everyone can adopt
  more responsible attitudes and behaviours
• Everyone can be alert and report early action
  can be critical  

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Can we really do anything about non-native
species?

• Eat them? Venison, crayfish, squirrel

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Key actions

• Be alert - learn to recognise the commonplace and
  notice anything unusual
• Report any non native invasive species note
  location accurately and get a sample/specimen
• Get information on ecology and management via
• GB Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS)
• www.nonnativespecies.org
• Environment Agency
• http//www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisu
  re/wildlife/31350.aspx

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Key actions

• Dispose of your waste in a responsible way (do
  not fly tip!). Compost unwanted plants Japanese
  Knotweed is classed as controlled waste and as
  such must be disposed of safely at a licensed
  landfill site
• Always buy native aquatic plants from reputable
  suppliers.
• Beware of hitch-hikers! Don't swap pond plants or
  animals (including frog spawn) between ponds.
  This might sound overly cautious, but it only
  takes a tiny fragment of many invasive aquatic
  plants for a new plant to grow.
• Do not release unwanted pets or fish into the
  'wild'
• Anglers can play a key role. Crayfish plague can
  be spread on angler's equipment if it is not
  properly dried out after fishing an infected
  area.
• Spread the word! Tell your colleagues and friends
  about invasive non-native species and the impacts
  that they are having.

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Basic Biosecurity

• Biosecurity means taking steps to make sure that
  good hygiene practices are in place to reduce and
  minimise the risk of spreading animal and plant
  species and diseases.
• A good biosecurity routine is always essential,
  even if problems are not apparent
• Biosecurity should be considered at the earliest
  stage when planning any field work, from
  surveying an area to removing non-native species.
  
• Biosecurity measures can be as simple and as
  quick as making sure footwear is clean.
• Plan visits so that the most risky visit is the
  last one of the day

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