Consultation on new enforcement regime to tackle Invasive Non-Native Species
Defra is seeking your views on proposals to introduce a new regime to enforce the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation in England and Wales.
Invasive Alien Species (also know as Invasive Non-Native species or INNS) are animals and plants that are introduced accidentally or deliberately into a natural environment where they are not normally found, with serious negative consequences for their new environment. They represent a major threat to native plants and animals in Europe, and cost the British economy an estimated £1.7 billion per annum. A number of INNS are affecting the R. Colne and its tributaries such as Floating Pennywort, Himalayan Balsam, and the Demon Shrimp. New threats are emerging all the time. One of the main factors which is contributing to the spread of INNS is the lack of regulatory powers to compel landowners to control them.
The EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation came into force in 2015. It currently applies restrictions on 49 invasive non-native species of most concern in Europe including a ban on keeping and sale. This consultation sets out proposals for enforcing those restrictions through the use of civil and criminal penalties. The introduction of greater powers to enforce INNS control will be of particular interest to stakeholders who have an interest, or are actively involved in protecting the Colne river environment from these species. A link to the consultation can be found below. The deadline for responses is 3rd April 2018.
https://consult.defra.gov.uk/natural-environment-policy/invasive-non-native-species-enforcement/