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About the Marine Pathways Group
Marine Pathways Group - Introduction
Non-Native Species (NNS), also known as non-indigenous or alien species, are organisms that have been moved into new areas outside their natural range by human activities e.g. shipping, recreational boating and aquaculture. The presence of NNS can exert pressures on the marine environment with possible social, economic or environmental impacts, in which case the NNS are considered as invasive non-native species (INNS). According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) the introduction of invasive species to new environments has been identified as one of the four greatest threats to the world’s oceans (the others being, land sourced marine pollution, over exploitation of living marine resource and habitat destruction).
Once introduced and established, invasive species are difficult to control or eradicate, particularly in the marine environment. Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species and coordinating a timely and effective response requires cooperation and collaboration among governments, economic sectors, non-governmental organisations and international treaty organisations. The Marine Pathways Group consists of member from across Scottish, Welsh, Irish and English governments with the aim of co-ordinating efforts in the management of marine INNS.
Once introduced and established, invasive species are difficult to control or eradicate, particularly in the marine environment. Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species and coordinating a timely and effective response requires cooperation and collaboration among governments, economic sectors, non-governmental organisations and international treaty organisations. The Marine Pathways Group consists of member from across Scottish, Welsh, Irish and English governments with the aim of co-ordinating efforts in the management of marine INNS.
Marine Pathways Group - Extended information
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has identified are 3 tiered hierarchal approach to managing invasive species: i) preventing the introduction of invasive species, between and within states, is generally more cost-effective and environmentally desirable than measures taken following introduction and establishment of an invasive species; ii) early detection and rapid action to prevent the establishment of invasive species; and iii) containment and long-term control measures should be implemented, to prevent further spread of an introduced species. Given the problems in post introduction management of invasive species in the marine environment, the establishment of effective preventative measures are even more important.
To achieve these goals several international measures have been put in place and are currently being enhanced: the Regional Seas Conventions (e.g. OSPAR in relation to the UK); the EC Regulation on the use of Alien Species in Aquaculture (EC, 2007); the MSFD (descriptor two); the WFD; the EC Regulation on Invasive Alien Species of EC Concern (EC, 2014); and the IMOs International Ballast Water Convention. In addition the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Article 196) provides the global framework for marine management, requiring States to work together to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment, including the intentional or accidental introduction of invasive species. The Marine Pathways Group provides advice and input into the implementation of legislation relevant to the management of marine INNS in-line with CBD guidance.
To achieve these goals several international measures have been put in place and are currently being enhanced: the Regional Seas Conventions (e.g. OSPAR in relation to the UK); the EC Regulation on the use of Alien Species in Aquaculture (EC, 2007); the MSFD (descriptor two); the WFD; the EC Regulation on Invasive Alien Species of EC Concern (EC, 2014); and the IMOs International Ballast Water Convention. In addition the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Article 196) provides the global framework for marine management, requiring States to work together to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment, including the intentional or accidental introduction of invasive species. The Marine Pathways Group provides advice and input into the implementation of legislation relevant to the management of marine INNS in-line with CBD guidance.
Group members
| Name | Organisation | |
| Mike Sutton-Croft | Animal and Plant Health Agency | |
| Paul Stebbing | Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science | |
| Hannah Tidbury | Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science | |
| Hugh Edwards | Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland | |
| Kylia Smyth | Department of Agriculture Environment & Rural Affairs Northern Ireland | |
| Stephen Foster | Department of Agriculture Environment & Rural Affairs Northern Ireland | |
| Fiona Gell | Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Isle of Man | |
| Tarquin Dorrington | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | |
| Angela Taylor | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | |
| Donal Cronin | Department of Environment Community and Local Government | |
| Alice Hiley | Environment Agency | |
| Sarah Brown | Firth of Clyde Forum | |
| Olaf Booy | GB Non-native Species Secretariat | |
| Grainne O'Brien | Irish sea fisheries board | |
| Katie McPherson | Marine Management Organisation | |
| Colette O'Flynn | National Biodiversity Centre, Ireland | |
| Hazel Selley | Natural England | |
| Jan Maclennan | Natural England | |
| Ruth Crundwell | Natural England | |
| Ben Wray | Natural Resources Wales | |
| Gabrielle Wyn | Natural Resources Wales | |
| Maggie Hatton-Ellis | Natural Resources Wales | |
| Janet Khan-Marnie | Scottish Environment Protection Agency | |
| Lyndsay Brown | Scottish Government | |
| Lorna King | Scottish Government | |
| Stan Whitaker | Scottish Natural Heritage | |
| David Donnan | Scottish Natural Heritage | |
| Sharon Davies | Welsh Government |
Terms of Reference
This section is under development, please check back later.
