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Tweed Catchment Bio-‐Security Plan
2011 – 2016
Final
Version 1
Prepared by
The Tweed Foundation,
Tweed Forum and the
Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland
2011
What is Biosecurity?
What are Non Native Species?
What are Invasive Non Native Species?
Abbreviations
Abbreviation ASSG Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers BTA British Trout Association DSFBs District Salmon Fisheries Boards EA Environment Agency FCS Forestry Commission Scotland Gs Gyrodactylus salaris MS Marine Scotland NE Natural England NNSS Non Native Species Secretariat QUB Queens University Belfast RAFTS Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds RTC River Tweed Commission TF River Tweed Foundation SEPA Scottish Environment Protection Agency SFCC Scottish Fisheries Co-‐ordination Centre SG Scottish Government SNH Scottish Natural Heritage SSPO Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation TFo Tweed Forum
Non Native species are animals and plants that have been moved outside of their natural range by human action, whether intentional or not. Species whose natural range is restricted to the south of the British Isles are not native to the north, for example.
Biosecurity means trying to prevent the spread of species outside of their natural range and the transmission of diseases. Good biosecurity practice means working and behaving in ways that reduce the risks of this.
INNS are defined as those that have been transported outside of their natural range and damage our environment, the economy, our health and the way we live.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... i
Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................... ii
1. Scope and Purpose .................................................................................................................................. 1
2. Background ............................................................................................................................................. 2
3. The Context ............................................................................................................................................. 3
3.1 Biosecurity: The Nature of the Problem ............................................................................................. 3
3.2 Policy and Legislation ......................................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Existing Planning Framework ............................................................................................................. 6
4. Scope of the Plan ..................................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 Tweed catchment ............................................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Summary of catchment economic and land use. ............................................................................... 9
4.3 Biosecurity: Current and potential threats ...................................................................................... 10
4.4 Stakeholders ..................................................................................................................................... 16
4.5 Existing NNS control activities .......................................................................................................... 18
5. Biosecurity management strategy ....................................................................................................... 20
5.1 Objectives and outputs of the Tweed Catchment Biosecurity Plan ................................................. 20
5.2 Actions and Timeframes ................................................................................................................... 27
6 Monitoring of this plan .......................................................................................................................... 32
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Executive Summary This plan describes the biosecurity issues of the Tweed and Eye Catchments and presents actions for the prevention, early detection, control and mitigation of the introduction and spread of selected non native species (NNS), fish diseases and parasites. Non native species (NNS) are defined as animals and plants that have been moved outside of their natural range by human action, whether intentional or not. This definition is consistent with the Wildlife and Environment (Scotland) Act (2011). A list of aquatic and riparian species, derived from both the Water Framework Directive UK Technical Advisory Group’s "high impact species" list and from the concerns of local stakeholders is presented in Section 4 of this plan -‐ it also includes marine species that can impact the coastal zone. This species list is not fixed and can be expanded as required. The aim of this plan is: ‘To further develop a practical framework to prevent, detect, control and eradicate specified non-‐native species within the Tweed catchment through coordinated data collection, management, liaison, and education’. Particular attention will be paid towards those non native species that are newly arrived and still at low numbers. Contributions will also be made to work to control species approaching the District's boundaries but not yet arrived there.
Objective 1: Reduce the risk of the introduction and spread of NNS to and within the Tweed catchment.
Output 1.1 – Ensure that key stakeholders are aware of: 1) Priority NNS and their ecological and economic impacts 2) The potential pathways for introduction and spread of NNS 3) Management good practices to prevent introduction and spread of NNS
Objective 2: Establish a framework for the detection and surveillance of NNS, linked to a protocol to ensure a rapid management response.
Output 2.1 – Establishment of a reporting system for NNS in the catchments Output 2.2 – Develop strategic monitoring of NNS in the catchments Output 2.3 – Setting up of a rapid response mechanism for new NNS that pose threats to the local biodiversity and economy
Objective 3: Build on existing coordinated and sustainable control and eradication programmes for NNS and share expertise with others
Output 3.1 -‐ Coordinated control, eradication and habitat restoration programmes established and operational
Output 3.2 -‐ A local management framework for the prevention, detection, monitoring and control of NNS
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The implementation of this biosecurity plan will bring many socio-‐economic and environmental benefits and a summary of these is given below;
The prevention of the salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris from entering the Tweed catchment, which would cause catastrophic economic and environmental loss: The salmon fishery is worth around £18 million to the local economy and supports around 500 local jobs.
A strategic, collaborative control programme for any newly arriving non native riparian plants will maximise the cost effectiveness of existing plant control programmes.
Better protection for natural biodiversity and the conservation of important natural habitats for native species such as Otter, Atlantic Salmon, and Brook, Sea and River Lampreys which would otherwise be impacted by the arrival of NNS.
Preservation of the distinctive natural identity of the Tweed and Eye catchments so that they do not become the same as other areas in terms of their plants and animals. If this happens, overall national and international biodiversity will be reduced.
The protection of the endangered Water Vole from American Mink. Limiting the spread of American Signal Crayfish will safeguard aquatic biodiversity and fisheries. The prevention of Chinese Mitten Crab and Killer Shrimp from entering the Tweed catchment will safeguard aquatic biodiversity and fisheries
The actions required to achieve the above objectives and outputs along with the lead agency, key partners and time frame required for their implementation are presented in Section 5.2.
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1. Scope and Purpose This plan describes the biosecurity issues of the Tweed and Eye Catchments and presents actions that have been agreed with stakeholders for the prevention, early detection, control and mitigation of the introduction and spread of selected freshwater and aquatic non native species (NNS), fish diseases and parasites. Non native species (NNS) are defined as animals and plants which have been moved to a location outside of their natural range by human action, whether intentional or not. This definition is consistent with the Wildlife and Environment (Scotland) Act (2011). A list of species that were identified from the Water Framework Directive UK Technical Advisory Group’s high impact species and by local stakeholders is presented in Section 4 of the plan. The list also includes some marine species that can impact the coastal zone. As the species list is not fixed it can be expanded in accordance with emerging NNS as well as to provide linkages with other biosecurity plans (e.g. squirrel control). The aim of the Tweed Catchment Biosecurity plan is: ‘To further develop a sustainable framework to prevent, detect, control and eradicate specified NNS within the Tweed catchment through coordinated data collection, management, liaison, and education. Particular focus will be placed on newly arrived species and those still at low numbers. Contributions will also be made to work to control species approaching the District's boundaries and to research in to new and better methods of control or eradication. This aim will be achieved through the realisation of three objectives: Objective 1: Reduce the risk of the introduction and spread of NNS within the Tweed catchment. Objective 2: Establish framework for the detection and surveillance of NNS within Tweed, linked to a protocol to ensure a rapid management response. Objective 3: Build on existing coordinated and sustainable control and eradication programmes for NNS and share practice with others These objectives are in accordance with established protocols for fish diseases and with the three key elements of the Invasive Non Native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain1:
Prevention, Early detection, surveillance, monitoring and rapid response, Mitigation, control and eradication
The objectives of this plan will be achieved through a partnership approach to implement the agreed actions.
1 www.nonnativespecies.org 2 www.tweedfoundation.org.uk
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The implementation of this biosecurity plan will bring many socio-‐economic and environmental benefits and a summary of these are described below;
The prevention of the salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris from entering the Tweed catchment which would cause catastrophic economic and environmental loss: The salmon fishery is worth around £18 million to the local economy and supports around 500 local jobs.
A strategic, collaborative control programme for any newly arriving non native riparian plants will maximise the cost effectiveness of existing plant control programmes.
Better protection for natural biodiversity and the conservation of important natural habitats for native species such as Otter, Atlantic Salmon, and European Eel which would otherwise be impacted by the arrival of NNS.
Preservation of the distinctive natural identity of the Tweed and Eye catchments so that they do not become the same as other areas in terms of their plants and animals. If this happens, overall national and international biodiversity will be reduced.
The protection of the endangered Water Vole from American Mink. Limiting the spread of American Signal Crayfish will safeguard aquatic biodiversity and fisheries. The prevention of Chinese Mitten Crab and Killer Shrimp from entering the Tweed catchment will safeguard aquatic biodiversity and fisheries
2. Background
Although prepared by the Tweed Foundation, Tweed Forum and RAFTS, this plan is one of a set of 25 biosecurity plans being produced throughout Scotland as part of a national programme of action implemented through the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS) with backing and support from the Scottish Government (SG), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Esmeé Fairbairn Foundation (EFF). The need for action on biosecurity issues has been identified in the Tweed & Eye District Fisheries Management Plan2, the Tweed Catchment Management Plan3, the Scotland and Solway Tweed River Basin Management Plans 2009-‐2015, the Tweed and Forth Area Management Plans4 and the Management Plan for the Berwickshire & North Northumberland Coast European Marine Site5. This biosecurity plan provides a platform for local action to address those biosecurity issues. This plan has a lifespan of six years and as part of an adaptive management cycle its outcomes and impacts will be reviewed on a yearly basis and any changes incorporated in revised versions. Although this plan is not a legal instrument in itself, it utilises existing legal and regulatory instruments to support the implementation of its actions and in pursuance of the realisation of its objectives. As such the successful
2 www.tweedfoundation.org.uk 3 www.tweedforum.com/cmp 4 http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/river_basin_planning.aspx 5 http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/idoc.ashx?docid=7a407d56-‐3972-‐4c86-‐92f1-‐7989ece104db&version=-‐1
The ultimate key to the effectiveness of this plan is the building of local awareness, capacity and partnerships to ensure the success and long term sustainability of the presented actions.
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implementation of this plan will rely on the formation of strong local partnerships founded on solid legal and policy principles by a range of interested parties.
The plan will build partnerships of differing groups of stakeholders to implement proposed actions that are required to address the complex issues associated with biosecurity. On completion this plan will therefore represent the agreed approach of the Tweed Foundation, Tweed Forum, stakeholders and appropriate local regulatory for the prevention, early detection and control of non native species. As the spread of NNS to the Tweed and Eye catchments can be through other areas as well as directly this plan also provides for local resources to be used outside the Tweed and Eye District boundaries to help neighbouring bodies to control the spread of introduced species in their areas and therefore to safeguard this District. Research in to new and better methods of control or eradication of problem species will also be supported.
3. The Context
3.1 Biosecurity: The Nature of the Problem Biosecurity issues are of increasing economic and ecological significance. Globalisation has expanded the possibilities, extent, speed and complexity of world trade and the growth of the tourism market has expanded the number of destinations for activity holidays and travellers. Travel times have also become much shorter, making it easier for "hitch-‐hiking" species to survive journeys. These trends have led to the increased probability of the unintentional as well as intentional introduction, establishment and spread of NNS, parasites and diseases in Scotland and the UK. In the context of this first plan, biosecurity issues in the rivers and lochs of Scotland and the cross-‐border Tweed are considered in relation to the potential introduction and spread of a priority list of NNS and fish diseases.
A survey6 commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage in 2000, showed that there were approximately 1000 non native species present in Scotland the majority of which exist in small populations with little visible impact on native flora and fauna. However, a small but significant proportion of these non native species are currently termed “invasive". Although, attention is generally focused on invasive non-‐native species (INNS), it does not necessarily mean that the non native species that have and are being artificially introduced to the wild with, at present, less dramatic effects should be ignored. Such species may well be "sleepers", just waiting for conditions to change to suit them better. In addition, some of these effects, although less dramatic, are of ecological significance. The advent of introduced species can change the range of habitats occupied by the natural species. An example is the Minnow / Baggie (Phoxinus phoxinus) that will displace Trout juveniles from slower-‐flowing stretches of streams or from standing waters (Hagglund & Sjoberg, 1999)7. The mere presence of introduced species means that the local, native, communities of plants and animals hosting them no longer exist since their presence alters the composition and the relationships between the component species.
6 www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/review/139.pdf 7 Hagglund, A. & G. Sjoberg, 1999: The Effect of Beaver Dams on the Fish Fauna of Forest Streams. Forest Ecology and Management 115 (2-‐3) 259-‐266
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This is particularly the case with fish species. Scotland has a very limited number of native freshwater fish species because there has never been a freshwater connection between Scotland and the continent over which such species could cross. As such Scotland only has fish that can live in salt water as well as fresh (Sticklebacks) or forms derived from present or past sea-‐going migratory species (Brown Trout, Brook Lamprey, Arctic Charr, Powan). Therefore Scotland has an "island" fish fauna as opposed to a "continental" one, as found in southern England where there once were freshwater connections when sea-‐levels were lower and English rivers connected with continental ones. Over the past couple of hundred years, and increasing in pace, introductions from England have meant that the native Scottish fish community is becoming increasingly rare and may well become extinct in the near future If these changes continue to occur Scottish freshwaters will be no different from those of the northern continent, reducing biodiversity on a European scale.
According to Convention of Biological Diversity (2006)8, invasive non native species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity being capable of rapidly colonising a wide range of habitats and excluding the native flora and fauna. Furthermore, over the last 400 years INNS have contributed to 40% of the animal extinctions where the cause of extinction is known. As water is an excellent transport method for the dispersal of many of these species, rivers and lochs and their banks and shorelines are amongst the most vulnerable areas to the introduction, spread and impact of these species. The ecological changes caused by NNS can further threaten already endangered native species and reduce the natural productivity and amenity value of riverbanks, shorelines and their water bodies. The threat from NNS is growing at an increasing rate assisted by climate change, pollution and habitat disturbance with a correspondingly greater socio-‐economic, health and ecological cost. Many countries including the UK are now facing complex and costly problems associated with non native species, some examples being:
A report commissioned by DEFRA9 has estimated that INNS cost the UK economy £1.7 billion per year
In the UK Japanese Knotweed is thought to affect an area roughly the size of London and the Review of Non-‐Native Species Policy (2003)10 has estimated the total cost of its removal using current techniques at £1.56bn.
A Scottish Government report11 published in 2006 estimated the potential Net Economic Value loss to Scotland of the introduction of Gyrodactylus salaris at £633 million with severe consequences for rural communities.
A Forestry Research Report12 estimates the current cost of clearing the invasive Rhododendron ponticum from Argyll and Bute as £9.3m that could rise to £64m in the next 50 years.
Invasive species have already changed the character of iconic landscapes and waterbodies in the UK reducing the amenity value of those areas.
8 http://www.cbd.int/gbo2 9 http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-‐countryside/wildlife-‐manage/non-‐native/index.htm 10 http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-‐countryside/pdf/wildlife-‐manage/non-‐native/review-‐report.pdf 11 www.scotland.gov.uk/resource/doc/1062/0042434.pdf 12http://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/pdf/Argyll_Bute_rhododendron_2008_costs.pdf/$FILE/Argyll_Bute_rhododendron_2008_costs.pdf
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Without a coordinated and systematic approach to the prevention of introduction and control of the spread of NNS 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. This plan is the first step to set out and implement such an approach at a local level for those non native species and diseases that significantly impact freshwater fisheries and the aquatic environment. This local plan and its implementation is also part of a strategic and coordinated approach to NNS management being undertaken across Scotland and the cross-‐border Tweed by RAFTS members.
3.2 Policy and Legislation Given the high costs for mitigation, control and eradication of NNS and fish diseases once they are established this plan emphasises the need for prevention and rapid response to the introduction of NNS before they become established. Furthermore, the multiple pathways for entry and spread as well as the persistence of many of these species means that a partnership approach to prevent introductions is essential. The partnership approach of this plan is a key requirement for increased public awareness and engagement; optimisation of the use of resources and the provision of clear guidance for inter-‐agency working necessary to address the biosecurity issues of the Tweed catchment. These approaches are consistent with the GB Invasive Non Native Species Framework Strategy13 and the Species Action Framework14 which have been approved by the UK and Scottish Governments.
The actions presented in this plan will also conform to, and be supported by, UK and Scottish Government legislation associated with the prevention, management and treatment of invasive non native species, fish diseases and parasites.
The Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 201115 was introduced in Scotland to make “the law on wildlife and the natural environment more efficient”. The Act makes changes to the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) for the better control, containment and eradication of NNS. To this end it empowers Scottish Ministers to make Codes of Practice and Species Control Orders that allow access to, and treatment of, areas where NNS may be present.
Section 14 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981)16 makes it an offence to allow any animal (including hybrids) which is not ordinarily resident in Great Britain, to escape into the wild; or release it into the wild; or to release or to allow to escape from captivity, any animals that are listed on Schedule 9 of the 1981 Act. It is also an offence to plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild any plant listed on schedule 9 of the 1981 Act.
In Scotland, the Possession of Pesticides (Scotland) Order 200517 regulates the use of pesticides and herbicides for the control and eradication of INNS and in England it is the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 and Pesticides Act 199818 19
13 www.nonnativespecies.org 14 http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-‐scotlands-‐nature/species-‐action-‐framework/ 15 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2011/6/contents/enacted 16 www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1981/cukpga_19810069_en_1 12 www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/63095.aspx. 17 www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/ssi2005/20050066.htm
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Environmental Protection Act 199020 contains a number of legal provisions concerning “controlled waste”, which are set out in Part II. Any Japanese Knotweed or Giant Hogweed contaminated soil or plant material discarded is likely to be classified as controlled waste. This means that offences exist with the deposit, treating, keeping or disposing of controlled waste without a licence. (UK-‐wide)
The Waste Management Licensing Regulations 199421 define the licensing requirements which include “waste relevant objectives”. These require that waste is recovered or disposed of “without endangering human health and without using processes or methods which could harm the environment”. (UK-‐wide)
Controlled Waste (Registration of Carriers and Seizure of Vehicles) Regulations 199122 and the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 199123 provide guidance for the handling and transfer of controlled waste. (UK-‐wide)
The Prohibition of Keeping or Release of Live Fish (Specified Species) Order 200324 requires that a licence be obtained for the keeping or release of species listed on Schedules 1 and 2. (UK-‐wide)
The Scotland Act 1998 (River Tweed) Order 2006 gives the River Tweed Commission the power to regulate fish movements in to and within the Tweed and Eye catchments; Marine Scotland have powers in the rest of Scotland and the Environment Agency in the rest of England and in Wales. Any movements of fish into waters that drain to the sea (other than registered fish farms) within the Tweed and Eye catchments must be consented by the RTC.
The NetRegs25 website contains useful guidance on INNS and their control. (UK-‐wide)
The procedures in Scotland for the detection, notification and control of fish diseases are already well defined by fisheries legislation. This stipulates that Marine Scotland acts on behalf of the Government in respect to the suspicion of the presence of notifiable fish diseases and organises and coordinates the response to that outbreak. In England the Environment Agency (EA) acts on behalf of government. As such the actions in this plan will raise awareness and provide mechanisms for the realisation of those procedures at the local level.
3.3 Existing Planning Framework This Biosecurity Plan links Government policy, legislation and strategic action with local actions, and reflects the aims and requirements of the following existing plans (see also Table 1):
18 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/26/section/1?view=extent 19 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/48/contents?view=extent 20 www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1990/ukpga_19900043_en_1 21 http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1994/uksi_19941056_en_1.htm 22 www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1991/Uksi_19911624_en_1.htm 23 www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1991/uksi_19912839_en_1.htm 24 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/resource/doc/47133/0009766.pdf 25 http://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/default.aspx
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The RTC Biodiversity Policy26 The RTC Gyrodactylus salaris Contingency Plan 27 The Tweed and Eye Fishery District Management Plan28 The Tweed Catchment Management Plan29 The Tweed Area Management Plan31 The Solway Tweed and Scotland River Basin Management Plans 2009-‐201532 Forth and Tweed Area Management Plans The Scottish Borders Local Biodiversity Action Plan The Northumberland Local Biodiversity Action Plan The Tweed Wetland Strategy30 The Northumberland Coast and Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast EMS Management Plan 2009 – 2014 (BNNC EMS Management Plan)31
The Scottish Natural Heritage Species Action Framework
Furthermore, it supports the conservation objectives of designated conservation areas (SAC, SSSI, RAMSAR) in the Tweed catchment. Table 1 Identified Actions in the Tweed Catchment Biosecurity Plan supporting provisions or requirements of other relevant plans Provision or Requirement of Existing Plan Action in Tweed Biosecurity Plan Plan: The Tweed and Eye District Fishery Management Plan Provision/s: Restrict the spread of non native fish species
Biosecurity measures and increased awareness of biosecurity risks will assist in reducing the risk of deliberate introductions of these species.
Plan: Tweed Catchment Management Plan31 Provision/s: Objective 3.3 Monitor and control the introduction and establishment of non native riverine and riparian species and where appropriate control or eradicate established populations
Biosecurity planning supports this key objective of the Tweed Catchment Management Plan.
Plan: Tweed Wetland Strategy32 Provision/s: Recognises current and future threat of invasive species brought about by climate change
This plan will assist in the protection of wetlands through providing measure to restrict the introduction and spread of INNS throughout the Tweed catchment as well as identifying specific actions to address INNS that pose a threat to wetlands.
Plan: Gyrodactylus salaris (Gs) Contingency Plan32: Provision/s: A strategy to rapidly contain and eradicate Gs if introduced to Scotland.
Formulate rapid response protocols for new INNS species which pose significant threats to local biodiversity and economy
26 http://rtc.org.uk/Management/Biodiversity/biodiversity.html 27 http://rtc.org.uk/Management/Biodiversity/biodiversity.html 28 www.rafts.org.uk/projects/fisheriesmanagementplanning.asp 29 www.tweedforum.com/cmp 30 http://www.tweedforum.org/publications/tweed-‐wetland-‐strategy 31 http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/idoc.ashx?docid=7a407d56-‐3972-‐4c86-‐92f1-‐7989ece104db&version=-‐1 32 www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Fisheries/Fish-‐Shellfish/18610/diseases/g-‐salaris/GsCGrev
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Provision or Requirement of Existing Plan Action in Tweed Biosecurity Plan The Solway Tweed and Scotland River Basin Management Plans33 and the Forth and Tweed Area Management Plans.
ST RBMP specifically states chapter 3 page 46
“We want to develop a partnership approach that
• gives priority to measures to prevent introductions of INNS
• establishes a network that can detect newly introduced INNS and where appropriate undertake rapid action to prevent their establishment.
• develop longer term mitigation measures such as containment or control for established INNS where these put at risk ecological status or other WFD objectives”
This plan shares the stated outputs of the Solway Tweed and Scotland RMBPs and presents the following partnership actions to achieve them.
• Identifies priority INNS and the actions required to reduce risk of introduction and/or eradicate
• Specifies actions and partners to establish a local surveillance and reporting network that links to a national system
• Specifies control and mitigation measures along with lead and supporting partners for their implementation
Plan: Northumberland Local Biodiversity Action Plan34
Create a series of information fact sheets on the invasive species found in Northumberland.
Raise awareness of problems associated with non-‐native invasive species and encourage their control by riparian owners and other interested parties
Saltmarsh and mudflat -‐ Investigate the extent and impacts of invasive non-‐native species and disseminate results
Plan: Scottish Borders Local Biodiversity Action Plan35
Promote, publicise and enforce the Conservation of Native Freshwater Fish Stocks: Prohibition of keeping or release of live fish (Specified species) (Scotland) Order 2003
Promote and implement the River Tweed Stocking Controls under the The Scotland Act 1998 (River Tweed) Order 2006
Identify, survey and map the extent of non-‐native species that pose a threat to standing open waters
Plans supporting designated conservation areas (SACs and SSSIs). Scotland’s Biodiversity: A strategy for the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Scotland36.
Supports the conservation of biodiversity target species through the control and eradication of INNS detrimental to their ecology
33 http://www.sepa.org.uk/water/river_basin_planning.aspx 34 http://www.northumberlandbiodiversity.org.uk/index.asp 35 http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/life/environment/naturalheritage/2708.html 36 www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/05/19366/37239
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4. Scope of the Plan
4.1 Tweed catchment The Tweed Catchment Biosecurity Plan (TCBP) covers the management area of the River Tweed Commission/Tweed Foundation and the Tweed Forum that includes the Rivers Tweed and Eye catchments and associated wetlands as well as the coastal zone between those rivers’ estuaries. The Tweed is a cross border catchment and is the second largest river basin in Scotland, with a total catchment area of 5,000km2. The main river stretches 160km from its source high in the Lowther Hills to the breakwater at Berwick-‐upon-‐Tweed. Major tributaries include the Teviot, Ettrick and Whiteadder Waters and the River Till (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Tweed and Eye Catchments
4.2 Summary of catchment economic and land use.
Land use within the catchment is described within the Tweed Catchment Management Plan and the Tweed & Eye Fishery Management Plan.
Arable agriculture predominates in the lower catchment (at present 81% of the catchment is in agricultural land use). While arable farming predominates in the lower Tweed valley, the upper Tweed is dominated by hill sheep and beef farming. In addition to these, the remaining significant land uses in the upper catchment are moorland and coniferous plantation. The Tweed catchment was targeted by the Forestry Commission as one of the first areas for large scale conifer planting after the Second World
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War which, together with tax relief schemes, led to forest cover increasing from 4.6% in 1947 to 17.4% today. This forest cover is heavily dominated by non-‐native species such as Sitka Spruce.
Urban settlements are focused on the central Tweed river valleys with the main towns of Hawick, Selkirk, Galashiels, Melrose, Kelso and Wooler accounting for a large proportion of the population. The remainder of the population is dispersed among small rural communities. Employment in the area is heavily dependent on tourism and recreation and in particular the world renowned Tweed salmon fishery (currently valued at £18 million a year to the local economy, supporting over 500 jobs).
4.3 Biosecurity: Current and potential threats This section identifies over 36 NNS and fish diseases (see Annex for full list) for inclusion in the Tweed Catchment Biosecurity Plan of which 18+ NNS will be the main focus for action. The priority species were identified as those that:
Already exist within the Tweed catchment. If introduced would have consequences for local biodiversity and economy; and /or Have a high risk of introduction due to nature of the pathways for their introduction and their current geographic proximity.
The species identified in the plan are those species that are currently known to be potential threats. However a recent study37 has shown that it can take several decades before a NNS becomes established and become invasive. Therefore it is feasible that some of the NNS that have already been introduced into the area and are not problematic at present may be “sleepers” and cause problems in the future. Climate change could also be a contributory factor by providing a trigger and/or reducing the lag period from when a species is introduced to when it becomes a problem. It also follows that the magnitude of the risk and potential future problems is increased if new NNS continue to be introduced through current and future activities. Therefore the study recommends that prevention and control procedures are strengthened to cope with the increased threat. This plan will provide a framework for the prevention on introduction of NNS, a surveillance network to detect and monitor existing NNS and a rapid response mechanism to react to a particular species if it becomes problematic. Current biosecurity issues
Current biosecurity issues are associated with 13+ NNS, and one fish parasite that are currently found in the Tweed catchment:
American Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusulus) are present in a number of locations in the Tweed catchment. The documented harmful impacts include exclusion of salmonids from preferred habitat and effects on aquatic invertebrates, macrophytes, and invertebrates. The most common means of spread is deliberate introduction for wild harvest; fish food or weed control). Accidental introduction can occur with stocked fish. It can spread between catchments
37 Essl, F., Dullinger, S., Rabitsch, W. et al. (2011) Socioeconomic legacy yields an invasion debt. Proceedings of the National Academyof Sciences. 108:203-‐207. This study is free to view at: www.pnas.org/content/108/1/203.full
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via canal and drainage ditches as well as natural colonisation of tributaries from main rivers. Its presence will downgrade classification status under the WFD.
American Mink (Mustela vison) is present in all Tweed sub-‐catchments. Mink spread by migration and kill water fowl; small mammals and juvenile salmon and trout.
Riparian Plants
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is present in the Tweed catchment, however the contrast between the extent of flowering Giant Hogweed at the start of the Tweed Invasives project in 2003 and current extent is very significant (confirmed from analysis of survey maps and use of control chemicals). However, Giant Hogweed seeds are viable for up to 15 years and there are, therefore, extensive seed banks remaining in the Tweed catchment, and consequently the vigilance of the control programme has to be as great in future years as it has been to date. Giant Hogweed spreads through seed dispersal and the movement of soil contaminated by its seeds. It is a public health hazard due to the toxins in the sap reacting with UV light to blister skin. Dense stands can hinder access. Giant Hogweed shades out native vegetation resulting in a loss of plant and invertebrate diversity. Winter dieback then exposes bare soil to erosion with loss of river banks and increased sedimentation. The reduction in the area covered by this plant is, however, an example of what can be done to control NNS.
Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is present in several Tweed sub-‐catchments. It has come into more prominence since the near-‐eradication of flowering Giant Hogweed and it is clear that is more widespread than previously thought with patches penetrating well into the headwaters, with dense patches found up upstream of Selkirk on the Ettrick water. However, coordinated control through the Tweed Invasives project has ensured that the majority of sites have reduced in size and vigour from previous years. Japanese Knotweed spreads along rivers by movement of plant fragments by water and is found in many other areas through the movement of plant debris in soil and on vehicles. It forms very dense thickets which can exclude native plants and prohibits regeneration. Dense growth of Japanese Knotweed can also hinder access, reduce biodiversity and alter the habitat for wildlife. Giant Knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) has also been reported in the catchment.
Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is present throughout the Tweed catchment. Most detailed distribution records are centred around the Till sub-‐catchment, where a pilot control programme has been underway, with large stretches of riverbank dominated by this plant. It spreads through seed dispersion by wind or water from areas in which it has been planted or introduced through the transport of contaminated soil. It forms thick monospecific stands that can shade out the vegetation underneath them, reducing biodiversity and denuding river banks of their protective vegetation. Winter dieback of the plants then exposes the bare soil to erosion. Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) has been reported in several locations within the Tweed area. It is an aggressive coloniser that can rapidly dominate favourable habitats.
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Monkey Flower (Mimulus sp.) two species and their hybrids have been reported from a number of locations in Tweed catchment. Populations of this species and its hybrids have increased over recent years. Favours damp gravel-‐based locations.
Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum & hybrids) is present in several Tweed sub-‐catchments. It spreads by natural seed and vegetative dispersal after intentional planting in gardens, parks and house policies. It forms dense thickets and out-‐competes native plants for space and resources with impacts on fish and invertebrate communities as well as preventing site access.
Aquatic Plants Australian Swamp Stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) has been found in two ponds in the Till sub catchment. It out competes native species forming dense carpets choking ponds and ditches. The reduced light levels below these rafts can cause die off of waterweeds and algae and reduce water oxygenation levels. It is introduced and spreads through disposal or escape into the wild from private gardens and by animals and human activity from an infested site to new sites may occur.
Curly Waterweed (Lagarosiphon major) has been reported from the lower Tweed. It is introduced and spread through disposal of garden waste, fragmentation by wind dispersal, boat movement, angling equipment and possibly water fowl. It is capable of forming very dense infestations in suitable habitats and occupying the full water column in waters up to 6m deep with significant impacts on native plants, insects and fish. It is a serious threat to tourism, angling, boating and other recreational pursuits as well as conservation goals.
Canadian Pondweed (Elodea canadensis) has been recorded in several catchments of the Tweed. It is spread by disposal of plants or plant fragments near waterways, escapes from garden ponds during flood episodes and possibly by birds and other animals. Canadian Pondweed dominates native macrophyte communities which can lead to their extinction and thereby impacts local invertebrate communities. It can also increase metal loads within waterbodies that compounds its impacts on native flora and fauna.
Nuttall’s Pond Weed (Elodea nuttallii) has recently been recorded in two Tweed sub-‐catchments. It dominates native macrophyte communities and this can lead to their local extinction. Impacts have also been recorded on invertebrate communities. All Elodea species take up metals from the sediment and release them into the water. E. nuttallii is very tolerant of Copper in particular.
Non Native Fish and the native fish species community The history of the native fish community of the Tweed is of increasing dilution by non-‐native species brought from the south as shown by two historic lists of the freshwater fish species of the Tweed catchment (Johnston, 1838 and Bolam, 1919), summarised in Table 2. However, the rate of introductions has slowed since the last list of 1919 and only one more species, the Bullhead, has been added since then. It is an aim of this plan therefore to ensure that no more species arrive and that existing, introduced, fish species spread no further so that the native fish community suffers no further damage.
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The most urgent task at present therefore is to prevent the Bullhead spreading more widely within the catchment
Table 2 Species Of Fish Found In The Tweed Catchment 1838 To The Present Non-‐natives noted: NATIVE JOHNSTON 1838 BOLAM 1919 Since 1919 Salmon Perch Grayling Bullhead Sea & Brown Trout Pike Roach Arctic Charr ** Arctic Charr (extinct before 1800)
Baggie (Minnow) Dace
Three-‐spined Stickleback Beardie (Stone Loach) Gudgeon Eel Flounder ( Allis Shad ) Brook Lamprey Non-‐breeding River Lamprey Rainbow Trout * Sea Lamprey *The Rainbow Trout is a special case as it cannot establish breeding populations in the wild and is not therefore a risk to the native fish community ** The Arctic Charr has been re-‐introduced to the catchment, to the Meggat and Talla Reservoirs. The source was Loch Doon in Ayrshire, the only surviving population of the species in the south of Scotland.
The picture is less adverse than a simple species list would suggest. Pike and Perch were once common within the river Tweed but are now confined to lochs as breeding species; similarly, Roach were common in the river till the 1980s but are now scarce. It may well be that as the river has become cleaner and less polluted, it has become less suitable for coarse fish species; recent increases in the frequency of large spates will also have made it less suitable. In terms of larger, main river species, therefore only Grayling, Gudgeon and Dace are common aliens. While Baggies (Minnows) and Beardies (Stone Loach) are widespread in all sizes of channel they do not predate native species although they alter the balance and relationships of the fish community. Bullhead, however, will not only further alter the community, they will directly predate native species and are therefore a considerable danger. There are parts of the catchment that are inaccessible to introduced fish and crayfish species because of barriers, both natural (e.g. waterfalls) and man-‐made. The main such areas are the Gala Water upstream of the Skinworks Cauld in Galashiels; the Whiteadder upstream of the Newmills Cauld (and it is further protected by the fact that it flows in to salt water and has no fresh water connection with the rest of the system); the Eden upstream of Stichill Linn and the College Burn, upstream of Hethpool Linns. Care must be taken by all working within the catchment not to transfer any introduced species upstream of barriers that would otherwise keep them out: it must always be remembered that introduced species could be present without it being known. This also applies to species native to the catchment that could not pass natural barriers by themselves e.g. Salmon cannot pass Hethpool Linns, although Sea-‐trout do so in large numbers.
Bullhead (Cottus gobio) have been found in a small tributary of the Ale Water and in the Till catchment. It is a small species from the South that is a predator of Salmon and Trout fry and its impact on these native fish is unpredictable. There are reports of them replacing trout completely in small streams in the Edinburgh and Glasgow areas, where they can reach very
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high densities and there is work from Sweden showing that juvenile Salmon numbers can be depressed in their presence even in main channels.
Stocking of introduced fishes that are already in the catchment, such as Roach, is allowed under the RTC policy but only to closed waters in those parts of the catchment where the species already exists, not to new areas. Anyone undertaking any work or activity within the catchment that could result in the transfer of introduced species to new areas should be aware of this risk.
Fish parasite
Argulus, the Fish Louse is an external parasite of freshwater fishes that has been extending its range in Scotland recently, possibly as a result of warmer conditions. At present it is only found in the ponds at Bowhill, Selkirk. The main risk is of its being spread wider in the catchment by fish brought in to fish farms or for stocking.
Potential biosecurity issues The non native species listed below are not currently present within the Tweed catchment. They have been classified as High or Medium level threats depending on their likely impact on the local economy and biodiversity in combination with the likelihood of their introduction. The level of risk of introduction was based on the availability of pathways, their current geographic proximity and the uses within the Tweed catchment.
High Threat: Species with Severe impacts on local biodiversity and economy and a High to Medium risk of introduction
Medium Threat: Species with Moderate impacts for local biodiversity and economy with a Low to High risk of introduction
There are five High Threat level species that could be introduced into the Tweed catchment and they include one fish parasite, two invertebrate and one aquatic plant species (Table 3). Table 3 High threat level species their impacts and risk of introduction SPECIES RISK OF INTRODUCTION LOCAL IMPACTS
Gyrodactylus salaris (Freshwater external parasite of salmon)
High-‐ Through unintentional introduction from anglers and water sport enthusiasts through: § Introductions of live fish carrying the parasite. Most transfer of this parasite has been by movements of Rainbow Trout.
§ Clothing/equipment which has been in contact with infected water including canoes
§ Ballast water in well boats
§ Projected catastrophic impact on salmon (Salmo salar) populations throughout Scotland. (It has largely exterminated salmon in 41 Norwegian rivers)
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SPECIES RISK OF INTRODUCTION LOCAL IMPACTS
Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocher sinensis) Resides in freshwater but migrates to the sea for breeding.
High -‐ 2 individuals were captured in the River Tyne (Northumberland), also through unintentional introduction from boat hulls and live food trade. It has been spreading up the East coast for the last century or so and is widespread on the Continent.
§ Burrowing in high density populations damages river banks
§ Concern over impacts on local species
§ Intermediate host for the mammalian lung fluke Paragonimus ringer, known to infect humans
Killer Shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus)
High – through unintentional introduction from anglers, water sport enthusiasts and with fish brought in to the catchment for stocking or for fish farms.
§ As a voracious predator it kills a range of native species, including young fish, and can significantly alter ecosystems
Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Freshwater Bivalve
Medium-‐through unintentional introduction from contaminated boat/canoe hulls and engines and bilge water. There is also a risk of introduction with fish for stocking or for fish farms -‐ the larvae are microscopic.
§ Major economic impact on all subsurface water structures e.g. blocking pipes and impacting upon hydro-‐electric schemes
§ Varied and unpredictable ecological impacts including changes to freshwater nutrient cycles, extinction of local mussels and changes to stream substrate affecting spawning areas
Parrot’s Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
Medium – one record is known, just north of Newcastle-‐upon-‐Tyne. It readily fragments leading to the establishment of new colonies. Pathways include disposal of garden waste near waterways and through fragments attaching to clothing and equipment including boats and nets.
§ Out competes native macrophytes, reducing species diversity.
§ Clogs waterways leading to problems for drainage and access
There are also 12+ Medium Threat level species of which there are 6+ species with a medium risk of introduction and five species with a low risk of introduction (see Table 4 below). The UK TAG website38 lists other species which could also get introduced. Table 4 The risk of introduction of Medium Threat level Non Native Species. SPECIES RISK OF INTRODUCTION Introduction of new fish species / spread of introduced species from present locations within the District.
Medium Through intentional/unintentional introduction from existing populations
Water Primrose (Ludwigia grandiflora) Medium Unintentional introduction from boat hulls and ponds Water fern (Azolla filiculoides) Medium Through intentional/unintentional introduction from
numerous locations throughout Scotland, especially central belt
Wireweed (Sargassum muticum) Medium Through unintentional introduction Slipper Limpet (Crepidula fornicata) Medium-‐
The presence of Berwick port increases the risk of introduction to the catchment. Likely pathways are by hull fouling and in ballast water.
Didemnum Tunicates/Sea Squirts Didemnum vexillum
Medium Vectors for introduction are uncertain but fouling of ocean going vessels and/or contamination of aquaculture produce are possibilities. The presence of
38 www.wfduk.org/tag
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SPECIES RISK OF INTRODUCTION Berwick port increases the risk of introduction to the Tweed catchment.
Tube Worm (Ficopomatus enigmaticus) Medium Found in shallow water and harbours Leathery Sea Squirt (Styela clava) Medium Found in shallow water and harbours Large-‐flowered Waterweed (Egeria densa) Low Only found to date in East Lothian. Possible introduction
from ponds Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides)
Low Currently only in England up to the midlands. Possible introduction from ponds
Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) Low Only found in one location in southern Scotland possible introduction from ponds
Asian Topmouth Gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva)
Low Currently only recorded from 5 locations in England. Could be introduced as live bait, in ballast water or as releases from aquaria. The EA has, with great effort, managed to exterminate this species from several waters
Common Cord Grass (Spartina anglica) Low Planted widely to stabilise tidal mud flats. Natural dispersal is by seed and the rhizomes.
From Tables 4 and 5, the main pathways or means of introduction of both High and Medium Threat level species into the local catchments are:
Intentional introduction or planting Fouling and ballast water of marine vessels Fouling and ballast water of freshwater vessels Escapes from garden ponds Contaminated water sports equipment (e.g. from anglers, canoeists) Movement of contaminated soils or vehicles Improper control and disposal measures e.g. cutting and dumping without treatment, fish factory waste.
Introduction of live fish, contamination of water used to transport live fish.
4.4 Stakeholders The engagement of key stakeholders is imperative for the success of this plan. Regulatory agencies and bodies associated with other relevant management plans include the following: Ø Umbrella Organisations
Tweed Forum Ø Policy and Legislation
Association of Salmon Fishery Boards Environment Agency Defra Natural England Marine Management Organisation
Ø Conservation and Biodiversity Berwick and North Northumberland Coast European Marine Site Management Group Borders Forest Trust Lothian & Borders wildlife crime unit Northumberland Local Biodiversity Action Group
To prevent the spread of these NNS and diseases these pathways need to be restricted, Information distributed and where feasible existing populations controlled or eradicated and their impacts mitigated.
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Scottish Government Scottish Natural Heritage Scottish Environment Protection Agency Marine Scotland Rivers and Fisheries Trusts Scotland
Northumberland National Park Authority Northumberland Wildlife Trust Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scottish Border Local Biodiversity Action Group The Wildlife Information Centre (biological records centre)
Ø Water Resources Northumbrian Water Scottish Water Tweed Area Advisory Group
Ø Fisheries Management River Tweed Commission Tweed Foundation Marine Scotland Science Environment Agency Aquaculture / commercial fisheries
Ø Land Resources Countryside Landowners Association Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group Forestry Commission National Farmers Union Northumberland County Council Scottish Borders Council Scottish Land and Estates
Ø Recreation Federation of Border Angling Associations VisitScotland
Other groups that are also important for the prevention of introduction and spread of NNS were identified from an analysis of the pathways presented in Table 5. Table 5 Pathways and stakeholder groups in the Tweed and Eye catchments Pathway Stakeholders Intentional introduction or planting Plantlife, riparian landowners, members of the public,
Marine Scotland, local councils Fouling and ballast water of marine vessels EA, Local harbour authorities/SEPA Fouling and ballast water of freshwater vessels EA/Port Authority/SEPA/UK Government; local canoe
and water sports organisations Sale from garden or pond centres Horticultural Trade Association/Ornamental Fish
Producers Contaminated water sports equipment (e.g. from anglers, canoeists
RTC, local canoe/water sports organisations, anglers, angling associations, fishing agents and tackle shops.
Escapes from fish farms, ponds, gardens, water gardens
RTC / Marine Scotland/ SEPA/ Planning Authorities/ Plantlife/ riparian owners/ members of the public
Movement of contaminated soils or vehicles EA/Local Councils/SEPA/quarries/ building contractors Introduction of live fish, contamination of water used to transport live fish.
RTC/Marine Scotland/Still Water Fisheries/FBAA
Improper control and disposal measures e.g. cutting and dumping without treatment
EA/Local councils/SEPA/environmental health/ Plantlife/riparian owners/members of the public
This plan identifies key actions required to change the behaviour and practices of the above groups so as to reduce the opportunities for the introduction and spread of NNS and fish diseases.
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4.5 Existing NNS control activities Tweed Foundation, River Tweed Commissioners and the threat from Gyrodactylus salaris The River Tweed Commission39 is charged under The Scotland Act 1998 (River Tweed) Order 2006 with the general preservation and increase of Salmon, Sea Trout, Trout and other freshwater fish in the River Tweed and its tributaries, and in particular with the regulation of fisheries, the removal of nuisances and obstructions and the prevention of illegal fishing. The area of jurisdiction extends five miles out to sea and includes the coastline between Cockburnspath and Holy Island. Powers are granted to the Commissioners by this and other Acts of Parliament to help fulfil these duties. The RTC is the only "Fishery Board" charged with the general preservation and increase of trout and other freshwater fish, as well as Salmon and Sea Trout. The Scotland Act 1998 (River Tweed) Order 2006 continued the R.T.C.'s general responsibilities for all species, which means that the representation on the controlling Council includes representatives of the interests of trout fishing associations and clubs, hotel owners and of others concerned with the use of the waters of the River Tweed. The Tweed Foundation40 is a company with charitable status limited by guarantee registered in Scotland under No. SC366380 (Charity No. SC011055) which works with the RTC on the management of the fishes of the Tweed Fisheries District. To do this, it surveys and studies the fish populations of the District to determine the factors affecting their abundance and distribution and to identify problems that it then addresses. The Foundation also encourages the use, conservation and the management of fishery resources in recreational activities. During 2007 the Tweed Commissioners, the Association of Salmon Fisheries Board and Scottish Canoe Association instigated a publicity campaign to prevent the introduction and spread of the parasite Gyrodactylus salaris. Interviews were given to local press and leaflets and posters distributed to angling and canoeing outlets. Information and warning signs were also installed at access points to rivers. In addition to the publicity campaign, anglers fishing in the catchment now sign a declaration form before fishing to ensure that their equipment is free from possible infection. Newsletters to anglers and boatmen are used to regularly remind of the risk of Gs introduction. In 2009 a contingency plan for Gyrodactylus salaris (Gs) was commissioned by the Tweed Commissioners. This plan assessed the risk of introduction associated with identified pathways. The Tweed plan supplements the Gs contingency plan drawn up by Scottish Government and by DEFRA in England. The Tweed plan makes specific reference to Tweed’s local characteristics and collates all the information that would be required if the Scottish plan was required to be put into action. The plan concluded that: “There is a significant risk from Gs entering the Tweed River system. The main risk stems from contaminated fishing gear, via fishermen making overseas fishing trips. Contaminated freshwater ballast in cargo boats entering Berwick harbour is an additional (though lesser) threat.” 39 http://www.rtc.org.uk 40 http://www.tweedfoundation.org.uk/
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The plan also identified preventative measures and these have been reflected in this biosecurity plan. The Tweed Forum and the Tweed Invasives Project The Tweed Forum was set up in 1991 to “promote the wise and sustainable use of the whole Tweed catchment through holistic and integrated management and planning” and focuses on coordinating action to protect, enhance and restore the freshwaters of the Tweed through the framework of the Tweed Catchment Management Plan. As a cross-‐border catchment Tweed comes under a number of administrative and regulatory systems. The majority of the catchment lies in Scotland and is principally administered by the Scottish Borders Council, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage. Across the border, Northumberland County Council, the Northumberland National Park Authority, Natural England and the Environment Agency have administrative responsibilities. Scottish Water and Northumbrian Water are the two water authorities operating within the catchment. The River Tweed Commission, however, is the cross-‐border fisheries Authority for the whole catchment in both countries. The Tweed Invasives Project41 has been running since 2003 and provides a coordinated programme for the control of Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam in the Tweed catchment. The project began with extensive stakeholder and public consultation to ascertain the key issues associated with the river and its management. One of the strongest common themes was the control of Giant Hogweed. Having established the demand for action relating to invasives control within the Tweed, an Invasives Conference and Consultation was held to establish what the real and perceived problems were that prevented landowners from controlling Giant Hogweed and what, if any, solutions could be found to mitigate these barriers. In parallel a new Giant Hogweed distribution survey was conducted to ascertain the extent of the problem. The final structure of the Tweed Invasives project was influenced strongly by those issues raised during the consultation (lack of money, lack of knowledge of control measures and licensing, lack of coordination across the catchment, lack of time) resulting in a long-‐term, funded coordinated invasive plant control programme which fully supported and encouraged in-‐kind contribution from the local community. Over time, control of Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam in the Till sub catchment has been phased into this programme.
Control of American Signal Crayfish
The RTC has funded Newcastle University work on American Signal Crayfish. This work involved testing the efficacy of male sterilisation as a control and eradication measure. However, more work is required to produce conclusive results.
Natural England has funded trapping surveys on the Till, and SNH on the Ettrick, to check on the spread of this species.
41 http://www.tweedforum.com/projects/content/pdf/obj2125
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5. Biosecurity management strategy
The objectives of this plan will be achieved through a partnership approach to implement the following crucial actions:
Prevention, Early detection, surveillance, monitoring and rapid response, Mitigation, control and eradication
5.1 Objectives and outputs of the Tweed Catchment Biosecurity Plan This section describes the expected outputs from implementation of the three plan objectives and the actions required for their realisation. Agreed actions for prevention are focussed on the disruption of the pathways for the introduction and spread of NNS and fish diseases and include a mixture of awareness raising and practical preventative measures. Awareness activities take note of the recently launched "Check, Clean, Dry" and "Be Plantwise" campaigns. Increased probability of early detection of the introduction or spread of NNS is achievable through surveys to establish the location of existing populations, establishment of a coordinated local surveillance and reporting system supported by routine monitoring of established populations or sites vulnerable to the introduction and spread of these species. Objective 1: Reduce the risk of the introduction and spread of NNS within the Tweed catchment.
Output 1.1 – All key stakeholders aware of: 1. The ecological and economic impacts of NNS 2. The potential pathways for introduction and spread. 3. Management good practice to prevent introduction and spread (this includes spread of
NNS already established within the catchment to new areas) Awareness activities will be focussed on addressing the identified local priorities as well as supporting the GB Check, Clean, Dry42 and Be Plantwise43 campaigns and their key messages to the general public:
Check o Check your equipment and clothing for living organisms. o Pay particular attention to areas that are damp or hard to inspect.
Clean o Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly. o If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found
them. Dry
o Dry all equipment and clothing – some species can live for many days in moist conditions.
o Make sure you don’t transfer water elsewhere. This has been adopted as working practice by the RTC, the Tweed Foundation, SNH and SEPA whose personnel work within the catchment, taking invertebrate samples, electric-‐fishing etc. Additionally, when surveying along watercourses, they work from upstream to downstream to avoid transfer of
42 https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/index.cfm?sectionid=98 43 https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/beplantwise/
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organisms above barriers (man-‐made and natural) that would otherwise restrict their movement. Any outside environmental consultancy firms brought in to the catchment to undertake surveys should be required to follow the same practices.
Be Plantwise and don’t dump aquatic plants in the wild. The local priorities for awareness will focus on disrupting the pathways for the introduction and spread of NNS in the Tweed catchment. The key stakeholders, the identified areas of priority and the proposed mechanisms for delivery are presented in Table 6 below. The roles and actions of key government agencies and non government bodies in promoting awareness of NNS issues is presented in Table 7. Table 6 Priority areas for awareness and delivery mechanisms according to stakeholder group Stakeholder Group Priority Area Mechanism of Delivery Local Fish Farms -‐ Impact of NNS
-‐ Use of sufficient screens and other biosecurity measures -‐ Dangers of importing stock from contaminated areas -‐ Controls on movement of stock and water
-‐Tweed Foundation & RTC to work with local industry and trade associations to advise members regularly of good practice in respect of NNS -‐Enforcement agencies (RTC & Marine Scotland ) to undertake site visits to discuss and advise on issues involving NNS e.g. Rainbow Trout transfers. -‐Check, Clean, Dry -‐Be Plantwise -‐Invasive Species Scotland44 website
Port Authorities -‐ Avoid pumping out of non sterilised ballast water in harbour -‐ Role of hull fouling in the introduction and spread of NNS
-‐Promote implementation of code of practice requiring non-‐sterilised ballast water to be discharged away from harbour -‐Tweed Foundation to assist with the supply of posters and other awareness material for display and signage. -‐Check, Clean, Dry -‐Be Plantwise -‐Invasive Species Scotland website -‐GB Non-‐native species secretariat website
Local Garden Centres -‐Promote existing codes of practice covering the security and disposal of NNS to all garden centres -‐Target gardeners to dispose plant material and/or soils in a responsible manner.
-‐Tweed Forum to work with garden centres to encourage distribution of codes of practice and posters (available from Plantlife). -‐Be Plantwise
Local authority Tec Services / contract workers
-‐Promote appropriate working practices and waste disposal to avoid spread of NNS
-‐Formulate and promote codes of practice.
Local Aquarium and Pond stockists
-‐Promote code of practice to all pet shops and suppliers of ornamental fish
-‐RTC /Tweed Foundation to work with retailers to encourage distribution of codes and posters (available from Plantlife) and check species on sale.
44 www.invasivespeciesscotland.org.uk
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Stakeholder Group Priority Area Mechanism of Delivery Landowners -‐ Promote knowledge of biosecurity issues
amongst all tenants and resource users -‐ Identification of suitable persons to act as “eyes” for the surveillance and local enforcement systems
-‐Work with Tweed Forum and Tweed Foundation to ensure dissemination of best practices and appropriate signage to reduce threats from NNS -‐Tweed Forum and Tweed Foundation to offer training for “eyes” -‐Invasive Species Scotland website -‐GB Non-‐native species secretariat website
Water User associations (canoeists, sailing clubs)
-‐Promote awareness to clubs and participants of the dangers arising from NNS
-‐ RTC and Tweed Forum to work with associations to promote disinfection of equipment and provide appropriate facilities to eliminate the risk of accidental transfer of NNS (ensure disinfectant is freshly prepared and active) -‐RYA campaign -‐FACT campaign and web site -‐Invasive Species Scotland website -‐GB Non-‐native species secretariat website
Angling clubs -‐ Promote knowledge of biosecurity issues amongst all members and visiting anglers -‐ Promote the distribution of information and erection of signage in fishing huts and recognised car parks -‐Recommend suitable members to act as “eyes”
-‐RTC and Tweed Foundation to work with associations to promote disinfection of equipment and provide appropriate facilities to eliminate the risk of accidental transfer of NNS (ensure disinfectant is freshly prepared and active) -‐Work with RTC, Tweed Foundation and Tweed Form to ensure dissemination of best practices and appropriate signage to reduce threats from NNS -‐Tweed Forum and Tweed Foundation to offer training for “eyes” -‐Invasive Species Scotland website -‐GB Non Native species secretariat website
General Public -‐General awareness of impacts and measures to prevent/control NNS -‐Promote the Biosecurity Plan to all retail outlets who deal with NNS e.g. pet shops, garden shops
-‐Local Media Campaigns -‐Use of websites (RAFTS, NNSS) -‐ Tweed Forum and Tweed Foundation to develop a leaflet to promote the Biosecurity plan, the dangers arising from NNS and the reporting system -‐Invasive Species Scotland website -‐GB Non Native species secretariat website
Schools -‐ General awareness of impacts and measures to prevent/control NNS
-‐School visits, including angling classes held by TweedStart -‐Field trips -‐Invasive Species Scotland website -‐GB Non Native species secretariat website
Contractors / Ground Maintenance Workers
- General awareness of impacts and measures to prevent/control NNS
- Work with Tweed Foundation and Tweed Forum to ensure dissemination of best practices
- Tweed Foundation and Tweed Forum to offer training for ‘’eyes’’
Invasive Species Scotland website -‐GB Non Native species secretariat website
Table 7 Roles and/or actions of key government and non government agencies in promoting awareness of NNS issues
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Organisation Role and/or action Delivery Mechanisms Tweed Foundation and Tweed Forum
-‐ Promote awareness to general water users promoting the Biosecurity Plan and highlighting the dangers from NNS
-‐ Promote and launch of Biosecurity Plan to coincide with National Biosecurity Action Day -‐Develop a leaflet to promote the Biosecurity plan, the dangers arising from NNS and the reporting system and ensure appropriate distribution to stakeholders -‐See actions for Tweed Forum and Tweed Foundation above
RTC
-‐Continue to promote awareness to anglers and angling clubs of the dangers arising from Gs and other NNS. -‐Regulation of movement and introduction of fish -‐Lead body with respect to fish diseases and escapes
-‐Continue to promote disinfection of equipment and provide appropriate facilities -‐ Holding of open days, field visits and demonstrations -‐Licensing system for fish movements.
Local authorities
-‐ Promote use of codes of best practice for construction, haulage, horticulture, aquaculture amongst local business and relevant departments particularly construction, garden and pet trade -‐ Promote awareness of planning, waste disposal and transport regulations amongst local business -‐ Promote awareness of the GB communications strategy to the general public
-‐ Councils to promote codes of best practice at every opportunity e.g. including them with planning applications and building warrants -‐ Production (by Council’s legal department) and distribution of information leaflets on all relevant legislation relevant to NNS -‐Holding of awareness event/open days to promote biosecurity issues -‐Distribute leaflets with council tax bills -‐ Display posters (produced by RAFTS) in council offices, libraries and other public places
EA/SEPA -‐ Clarify EA/SEPA responsibilities for NNS to both staff and customers -‐ Incorporate NNS issues into relevant guidance documents (as they are developed or updated) -‐Scottish INNS RBMP supplementary plan in preparation
-‐ Page on website with links to relevant EA/SEPA information and other sites e.g. Non-‐Native Species Secretariat, RAFTS, Scottish Canoe Association. -‐ Digital documents available for download on EA/SEPA Website
Natural England/SNH
-‐National: Promotion of good practice in the prevention, control and eradication of NNS -‐Local: Natural England/SNH will continue to support and advise the Tweed Forum and Tweed Foundation
-‐ Holding of SNH Sharing Good Practice events. -‐ Grant funding may be available for some projects.
Marine Scotland -‐Fish Health Inspectorate part of Marine Scotland to support RTC in control of fish diseases and escapes
-‐ Support promotion of disinfection of equipment and appropriate facilities to eliminate the risk of accidental transfer of NNS
The delivery mechanisms form the basis for the actions required to promote awareness amongst the key stakeholders of the Tweed catchment. These are presented in Section 5.2 along with the responsible agency and a timeframe for their implementation.
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INNS reported by “eyes”
Verification by trained Staff
Verified sighting reported to NNSS Portal
Appropriate rapid response
activated
Box 1. Early warning system
Objective 2: Establish framework for the detection and surveillance of non native species, linked to a protocol to ensure a rapid management response.
Output 2.1 -‐ Reporting system established for non native species in the District
The “eyes” of the early warning system (Box 1) will be trained members of the public, bailiffs, boatmen, canoeists, walkers Government Agency staff, biological recorders, and consultants with reported sightings verified by trained Tweed Foundation, RTC or Tweed Forum personnel. A sighting of a GB or local high priority species (Table 9) will be verified within 48 hours. If confirmed, it will initiate the appropriate GB or local high priority response (see Output 2.2 below). Reports of priority species will be verified as time permits. All verified sightings will also be entered onto the Tweed Forum or Tweed Foundation (depending on species) Geographic Information System that record NNS distributions within the Tweed catchment. Actions to establish the early warning system are described in Section 5.2.
Output 2.2 – Develop strategic monitoring of non native species in catchment. The Tweed Foundation and Tweed Forum will work with the Scottish Fisheries Coordination Centre (SFCC) , RAFTS, SEPA and SNH to develop and agree national protocols for NNS surveying and monitoring as well as ensuring that NNS data is stored in a format which can readily be shared using GIS. A standardised SFCC recording sheet and data storage protocol would ensure compatibility with existing SFCC habitat data. Manuals on methodologies will be produced and staff trained to ensure that high quality data is collected, stored and shared between agencies.
Output 2.3 – Rapid response mechanism established for new non native species which pose significant threats to local biodiversity and economy.
The type of response will depend on the danger of the species detected (Table 8) and is proportionate to the threat posed. There are three levels of response:
a GB level response that will be undertaken by national governmental institutions as part of the GB INNS strategy
a high priority local rapid response a priority local rapid response
Table 8 Response level for selected non native species
GB Response High Priority Local Response Priority Local Response Gyrodactylus salaris Asian Topmouth Gudgeon Ruddy Duck Didemnum spp Wireweed Water Primrose Killer Shrimp
Mitten Crab Zebra Mussel Australian Swamp Stonecrop Parrot’s Feather Any fish species not already in the catchment and which could breed in the wild. Crayfish or introduced fish species found upstream of barriers that
American Mink American Signal Crayfish Introduced fish spreading to new areas* Slipper Limpet Canadian Pond weed Japanese Knotweed Himalayan Balsam Giant Hogweed
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GB Response High Priority Local Response Priority Local Response would otherwise keep them out. Rhododendron
Nuttall’s Pondweed Water Fern Common Cord Grass Fanwort Floating Pennywort Large-‐flowered Waterweed Curly Waterweed
There are likely to be some species which will not qualify for a GB rapid response which are considered priorities at a Scottish level and action may therefore be instigated by Scottish agencies within the Scottish part of the catchment. There is no agreed species list at present however work is being taken forward by the Scottish Working Group on Invasive Non-‐Native Species and once agreed, will be circulated to all interests. A confirmed sighting of a GB priority species will trigger the GB contingency plan for that species e.g. Gyrodactylus salaris. However, there is still a need for local level protocols to link with the GB response as well as for local level contingency plans for local priority non native species. The elements to be included in the response to detection of a GB priority species or the contingency plans for local priority species are outlined in Table 9. The actions required to establish and maintain the RRM are presented in Section 5.2 Table 9 Elements of contingency plans or protocols for response to GB priority, local high priority and priority species GB Response Local High Priority Response Local Priority Response -‐Report to local and GB institutions -‐Determine the extent of infestation -‐Isolation of area where practicable
-‐Report to local and GB institutions -‐Determine the extent of infestation -‐ Isolation of area where practicable Establish source and check related sites -‐ Closure of all pathways -‐Decision on appropriate action eradication/containment. -‐ Approved eradication methodology -‐Monitor
-‐Report to local and GB institutions -‐Determination of the extent of infestation -‐Surveys in course of normal work to establish and map distribution -‐Inclusion of new areas in existing eradication/control programmes -‐ Identification and closure all pathways -‐ Monitor as part of planned catchment monitoring programme
Objective 3: Build on existing coordinated and sustainable control and eradication programmes for NNS and share practice with others
Output 3.1 – Coordinated control, eradication and habitat restoration programmes established and operational
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Box 2. Control and Mitigation
STEP 1• Surveys of river catchments
STEP 2• Initial treatment of affected areas
STEP 3 • Follow up control & monitoring
STEP 4• Habitat restoration and monitoring
Surveys have largely identified NNS distributions within the Tweed catchment area. Survey information has been entered onto local GIS systems and analysed to target upstream extent of populations of NNS that are potential sources of spread and re-‐infestation. Control and eradication programmes for riparian INN plant species utilising a combination of specialist contractors, volunteers and Tweed Forum staff are being used depending on the management requirements of the area involved. Envisaged mitigation, eradication and control measures for the NNS already present in the Tweed and Eye catchments are presented in Table 10. The actions required to establish the proposed control/eradication programme are presented in Section 5.2. Table 10 Phase 1 of Non Native Species Control and Eradication in the Tweed catchment SPECIES ACTION TREATMENT/POST TREATMENT ACTIONS Japanese Knotweed (JK)
Control/Eradication Identify and close pathways.
-‐Leaf spraying with Glyphosphate by Tweed Invasives project for existing populations with follow up of stem injection treatment to maintain control if required. -‐Spraying to take place over a 4 year period in whole catchment. -‐Buffer strips identified cleared and maintained where road and rail pathways for reinfection intersect with watercourses. -‐Requirements for riparian zone habitat restoration assessed and implemented Long term sustainability strategy for Tweed Invasives project developed and implemented.
Himalayan balsam (HB)
Control/Eradication Identify pathways and close
Develop and implement a control and eradication strategy through the Tweed Invasives Project -‐Monitor catchment for activation of dormant sources of infestation -‐Habitat restoration if required
Giant Hogweed (GH)
Control/Eradication Identify pathways and close
-‐ Leaf spraying with Glyphosphate by Tweed Invasives Project. Spraying to take place spring and early summer over a 4 year cycle. Follow up monitoring required. -‐Monitor catchment for activation of dormant sources of infestation -‐Habitat restoration if required
American mink Control/Eradication -‐There is a need to develop a co-‐ordinated monitoring and trapping regime based on the experiences of previous projects such as the Scottish Mink Initiative.
Rhododendron (R) Control / Eradication
-‐Action to be identified.
Australian swamp stonecrop
Control / Eradication
-‐Continue trials to control and eradicate
Canadian and Nuttall’s’ pond weeds & curly waterweed
Monitor distribution
Introduced fish species breeding in the wild
Restrict to present distribution
-‐Map range of each species and develop measures to restrict spread.
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SPECIES ACTION TREATMENT/POST TREATMENT ACTIONS Signal Crayfish Monitor
Distribution; Keep out of areas protected by barriers
Ensure are not taken upstream of barriers that would otherwise stop them. Support research to find control methods
Output 3.2 -‐ A local management framework for the prevention, detection, monitoring and control of NNS
The delivery of the aims of this plan would be assisted by the coordination of activities with the existing Tweed Forum and Tweed Area Advisory Group relating to NNS in the Tweed catchment. Representation on both these bodies by RTC and the Tweed Foundation will help with coordination planning and resourcing of actions.
5.2 Actions and Timeframes The table below presents the actions required to realise the objectives and outputs described in Section 5.1 along with the lead agency, key partners and timeframe required for their implementation.
Note: 1) The Tweed Foundation will be the lead agency for action concerning non native fish and/or
invertebrates and Tweed Forum for aquatic and riparian plants. 2) The specifying of an organisation as a 'lead', or a 'partner' does not mean that they are
necessarily a funder. The specifying of ‘lead’ organisation in this plan is for the implementation of an activity and does not refer to the Government lead agencies as specified in the WANE Act.
Action Proposed Lead Proposed Partners TIMEFRAME 2011 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Objective 1: Reduce the risk of the introduction and spread of NNS to and within the Tweed catchment.
Output 1.1 – All key stakeholders aware of; 1) The ecological and economic impacts of NNS 2) The potential pathways for introduction and spread of NNS
3) Management good practices to prevent introduction and spread of NNS Launch of Tweed Biosecurity plan through national and local press release
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
Annual Review of Plan AAG
Produce leaflet on legislation including waste management & planning regulations
Tweed Forum
Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, AAG, SNH, Natural England (NE), SEPA and EA
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Action Proposed Lead Proposed Partners TIMEFRAME 2011 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Disseminate information on biosecurity risks and the reporting system
Tweed Forum, Tweed Foundation AAG, SNH, and NE
Produce posters on biosecurity risks and distribute to the general public RAFTS
AAG, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, Tweed Forum, Tweed Foundation
Continue to promote and install disinfection facilities for anglers at all angling proprietors’ fishing huts/parking points
River Tweed Commission, Tweed Foundation
Proprietors
Develop interim code of practice with Harbour Commission
Port Authorities RTC
Distribute biosecurity codes of practice, leaflets and posters to relevant retail outlets and clubs at open days and events such as agricultural shows & put notices up at catchment boundaries, e.g. Carter Bar layby
Tweed Forum,
AAG, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council
Engage with Landowners and angling clubs to promote awareness of measures to tenants, resource –users, members and visitors
RTC, Tweed Forum, Tweed Foundation
SEPA, SNH, EA and NE, NFU, SLE (formerly SRPBA) and CLA
Work with environmental groups and local schools to enhance awareness of INNS
LBAP group
BFT, local rangers, local green tourism providers, Tweed Forum
Objective 2: Establish framework for the detection and surveillance of NNS, linked to a protocol to ensure a rapid management response. Output 2.1 -‐ Reporting system established for NNS in catchment. Train Tweed Foundation/Forum personnel in the identification of NNS
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum RAFTS
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Action Proposed Lead Proposed Partners TIMEFRAME 2011 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Train Tweed Foundation and Tweed Forum members as trainers
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum RAFTS
Work with user and interest groups to identify “reporting & surveillance network”
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
AAG, EA, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, SEPA
Training of “reporting network”
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
RAFTS LBAP
Establish, test and refine communication mechanisms within ‘early warning’ system
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, SEPA, EA SNH
Produce database to record and manage NNS sightings
RAFTS Tweed Forum Tweed Foundation
Monitor and periodically evaluate efficacy of system
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, SEPA, EA, SNH
Work with neighbouring partners and national agencies in Scotland and England to identify new threats
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, SEPA, EA SNH and NE
Produce annual report updating status of NNS in and around catchment borders
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
Output 2.2 – Develop strategic monitoring of NNS in catchment. Develop and agree protocols SFCC/QUB
EA, Natural England, SEPA, SNH
Produce database to manage NNS survey data
SFCC/RAFTS EA, Natural England, SEPA, SNH
Training of Trust and other agency staff in monitoring methods
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
SFCC/RAFTS, SEPA Councils, EA, SNH, NE
Develop monitoring manual SFCC/RAFTS
RAFTS SEPA (National) SNH
Output 2.3 – A rapid response mechanism for new NNS that pose threats to the local biodiversity and economy
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Action Proposed Lead Proposed Partners TIMEFRAME 2011 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Formulate contingency plans for expected species
RAFTS, Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
EA, Natural England, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, SEPA, SNH
Identification of personnel for response teams
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
EA, Natural England, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, SEPA, SNH,
Training of personnel to execute contingency plans
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
EA, Natural England, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, SEPA, SNH
Identification of funding resources
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
EA, Natural England, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, SEPA, SNH
Refresher training Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
Natural England, RAFTS, SNH, SEPA
Monitor populations/treated areas
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
EA, Natural England, SNH, SEPA
Objective 3: Build on existing coordinated, sustainable control and eradication programmes for NNS and share practice with others. Output 3.1 – Coordinated control, eradication and habitat restoration programmes established and operational 45 Catchment wide surveys by trained personnel
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
SEPA, SNH, SFCC
Develop and/or maintain GIS database for recording and mapping NNS within Tweed catchment
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
SFCC , RAFTS
45 Tweed Foundation will lead on non native aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates. The Tweed Forum will lead on non native riparian and aquatic plants.
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Action Proposed Lead Proposed Partners TIMEFRAME 2011 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Continuation of riparian NNS plant species control
Tweed Forum Landowners Councils RAFTS, QUB, UU, SBC, SNH, SEPA, EA, NE, NCC, fishery proprietors, Ghillies, Angling Associations, Bailiffs, Farmers, communities
Continuation of trials to control C. Helmsii
Tweed Forum SNH, NE, EA
Share good practice with others
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
SFCC Landowners Councils RAFTS, QUB, UU
Continue monitoring of AS crayfish populations
Tweed Foundation RAFTS, SNH SEPA
Design and implementation of AS Crayfish trial
Tweed Foundation RAFTS, SNH SEPA
Design and implement non native fish eradication trial
Tweed Foundation RAFTS, SNH, SEPA
Implement habitat restoration scheme within successful control areas taking into account all relevant species
Tweed Forum Tweed Foundation
EA, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, Highland Council, SEPA46
Monitor the effectiveness of control programmes
Tweed Foundation Tweed Forum
RAFTS, SFCC, SEPA, SNH
Output 3.2 -‐ A local management framework for the prevention, detection, monitoring and control of NNS
Complete draft Biosecurity plan
RAFTs, Tweed Forum, Tweed Foundation
Consultation with all stakeholders to agree Biosecurity plan
Tweed Forum
Represent Tweed NNS issues at Tweed AAG
Tweed Forum AAG, EA, SEPA
Feedback on these actions for the Solway Tweed RBMP and Tweed Area Management Plan
RAFTs, Tweed Forum, Tweed Foundation
SEPA, EA
46 May be eligible for funding from the Restoration Fund
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Action Proposed Lead Proposed Partners TIMEFRAME 2011 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Develop link with SEPA Programme of Measures and EA measure reporting
SEPA Tweed Forum, TF
Identify and develop long term sustainability strategy
Tweed Forum, Tweed Foundation
AAG, FC, Natural England, SNH, RAFTS ?SEPA
Review progress through sub group working and AAG
Tweed Forum, Tweed Foundation
SEPA, EA, AAG
Identify and develop opportunities for future funding of eradication projects
Tweed Forum, Tweed Foundation
AAG, FC, Natural England, SNH, SEPA
6 Monitoring of this plan Biosecurity planning is being initiated within the Tweed catchment by both the Tweed Foundation and Tweed Forum. However, despite limitations, any work completed by the Tweed Foundation and Forum will be monitored and the results evaluated particularly in the light of changing circumstances e.g. climate change. In this respect, the AAG along with Tweed Foundation and Tweed Forum will endeavour to evaluate their work and this strategy in a coordinated manner on a 5-‐year basis. To ensure the effective implementation of this plan, it is vital that the outcomes and impacts of the actions are monitored and reviewed to ensure that the objectives are being met. Thus a fully coordinated monitoring programme must be established to ensure efficacy and sustainable treatment initiatives and include:
Assessment of efficacy of surveillance and rapid response systems Occurrence and distribution of the selected NNS within the catchment Effectiveness of control/eradication programme including:
o Application/delivery of effective concentrations of biocides o Checking that treatments have been effective o Re-‐treating immediately where there is doubt o Monitoring any apparent resistance to treatments and investigate o Surveying the area for signs of dormant plants becoming activated
Assessment of the ability to close established pathways of transmission Monitoring the effectiveness of all legislation and codes of practice especially those which are aimed at restricting/closing pathways
Monitoring general activities within the catchment and assessing them in terms of risk for the introduction of NNS.
A monitoring programme will be developed based on the agreed objectives and outputs of this plan. Monitoring activities will be undertaken by Tweed Forum and Tweed Foundation staff in conjunction with stakeholder representatives who by virtue of their work are out in the catchment on a regular basis e.g. roads department and access officers employed by local councils.