Non-native Species- Advice for Marine Users
What are Non-native Species?
Non-native species are plants and animals which originate elsewhere, e.g. Asia or America, but have been brought to the UK through man’s activities. Not all introduced species are problematic, but some species can impact upon the marine environment and upon our marine industries, such as aquaculture and fisheries.
To find out more about the non-native species found in Shetland and how to record any sightings, download our identification guide below:
Where do they Grow?
Many non-native species grow on man-made surfaces, and will foul boat hulls, ropes, buoys and other structures. Many will also grow on other plants and animals, including mussels. The climate change indicator species live along the shore and in rock-pools, as well as on man-made structures.
Good Practice Advice
We have developed leaflets for the general public, aquaculture industry, and marinas and marine users, which contain further information on several non-native species, and advice on what you can do to limit their spread and impact on Shetland.
If you are a marine user, you can help minimise the spread of non-native species by following this good practice guidance:
- Keep boats and structures as free of fouling as possible.
- Check for invasive species when moving equipment between different areas (e.g. boats)
- Check, clean and dry personal gear (such as SCUBA equipment) when moving between areas.
- Don’t throw even small pieces of non-natives back into the water, as some can grow back from tiny bits.
Download our handy leaflets on good practice below:
- Invasive Non-Native Species - information for the aquaculture industry (pdf)
- Invasive Non-native Species- information Divers (pdf)
- Invasive Non-native Species- information for marinas and marine users (pdf)
- Invasive Non-native Species: Information for Ports & Harbours (pdf)
- Help Keep Shetland Clean- Boat Cleaning Leaflet (pdf)
If you find any marine species that you think have been introduced you can contact the Marine Spatial Planning Team either by email at marineplan.shetland@uhi.ac.uk or call 01595 772000. Please also take a picture, if you can do so safely.
Useful Links
- The Scottish Government website contains information on non-native species and provides links to the Code of Practice on Non-Native Species.
- UK Check-Clean-Dry campaign. Water users may unknowingly be helping to spread invasive species from one water body to another in equipment, shoes, and clothing. Help stop this happening by following three simple steps: Check, Clean, Dry.
- GB Non-Native Species Secretariat- Information for the UK on non-native species
- DAISIE - Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe-Information on invasive species in Europe
