Biosecurity Project
The Deveron, Bogie & Isla Rivers Charitable Trust (DBIT) launched the Deveron District Biosecurity and Fisheries Development Project in November 2009, after successfully secured substantial funding to allow the project to commence. The main objective of the project is to control and eradicate invasive non native species (INNS) such as Giant Hogweed and American mink and also to promote Deveronside both locally and nationally as a top angling and visitor destination to help support local economic growth. The 3 year funding package from Aberdeenshire LEADER, SNH, The Scottish Government, Aberdeenshire Council and Moray Council has allowed the Trust to employ a full-time Biosecurity and Fisheries Development Officer, a first for Scotland and also purchase the required equipment.
Senior Biologist, Richie Miller (DBIT), along with Chris Horrill (RAFTS) developed the Biosecurity Plan which sets out the Trust’s vision to protect the district from existing and potential non native species.This plan is the template and is followed by Biosecurity and Fisheries Development Officer, Alastair Fenn. One of the main responsibilities of the project officer is to co-opt volunteers to assist in the monitoring and eradication programme throughout the entire Deveron district. The Water of Philorth, Water of Troupe and the Burn of Boyne are within the coastal remit of the River Deveron District Salmon Fishery Board so these water courses are also incorporated into the project. Volunteers known as “river champions” assist by monitoring mink rafts and traps where there is evidence of mink and also help monitor areas for invasive non-native plants.
The project puts in place rapid response protocols and raise awareness of INNS to protect our river systems and surrounding areas from these potential threats through co-ordination with national government and European agencies and other river boards/Trusts.
What is Biosecurity?
Biosecurity is a set of control, preventive and eradication measures designed to reduce the risk and environmental damage of infectious diseases, invasive non native species (INNS) and other living modified organisms.
What are Invasive Non Native Species?
Invasive non native species (INNS) are any non-native animal or plant that has the ability to spread causing damage to the environment, the economy, our health and the way we live.
Non native species have long been introduced and used as ornamental plants or pets and only a small minority of them are or will become invasive (SNH, 2000). However, the threat from invasive species is growing at an increasing rate assisted by climate change, pollution and habitat disturbance. They are now recognised as the greatest threat to biodiversity next to habitat destruction and they threaten our native plants, animals and habitats.Globally, INNS have contributed to 40% of the animal extinctions that have occurred in the last 400 years (CBD, 2006). Many countries including Scotland are now facing complex and costly problems associated with invasive species.
INNS FACT FILE:
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Globally, INNS have contributed to 40% of the animal extinctions that have occurred in the last 400 years (CBD, 2006).
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Invasive non native species and fish diseases damage our environment, the economy, our health and the way we live.
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They already cost the Scottish economy and therefore us upwards of £500 million per year and the UK economy £2-£6 billion per year.
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A Scottish Government report estimated the potential Net Economic Value loss to Scotland of the introduction of the salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris at £633 million with severe consequences for rural communities.
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In the UK Japanese Knotweed is thought to affect an area roughly the size of London and Defra has estimated the total cost of its removal using current techniques at £1.56bn.
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£25 million is the estimated cost of clearing the invasive Rhododendron ponticum from the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
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If nothing is done the costs to our environment, economy and health will only increase.
