This website is the entry point to the RAFTS Biosecurity Project and will provide users access to the potential and actual means of introduction and spread of a range of non native species, parasites and diseases.  Users will also be able to access the provisional Biosecurity Plan template and planning process, the legal and planning framework in which those plans should be placed as well as management and awareness strategies required to deal with those NNI species, parasites and diseases that threaten the biodiversity and economies of Scotland’s rivers and lochs.

Biosecurity Issues

Biosecurity issues are of increasing economic and ecological significance. Globalisation has expanded the possibilities, extent and complexity of world trade and the growth of the tourism market has expanded the number of destinations for activity holidays and travellers. These trends have led to the increased probability of the unintentional as we all as intentional introduction, establishment and spread of non native species, parasites and diseases in Scotland and the UK. According to a survey, 'An Audit of Alien Species in Scotland', conducted by Scottish Natural Heritage, there are approximately 1000 non native species present in Scotland the majority of which exist in small populations with little impact on native flora and fauna. However, a small but significant proportion of these non native species are invasive.

Invasive species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity and their ecological impacts and economic consequences can be devastating (e.g. Gyrodactylus salaris). This is reflected in the increasing priority given to non native invasive species in the European, UK and Scottish legal, strategy and planning frameworks. Recognition of the importance of the prevention, control or eradication of non native invasive species, parasites and diseases in river catchments provided the justification for the implementation of the RAFTS Biosecurity Planning Project.

Project Description

The biosecurity planning project is being implemented from October 2008 to May 2011 through RAFTS with support from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Scottish Government.  Strategic guidance to the project is provided by a Steering Group comprised of representatives from the Scottish Government, SNH, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the GB Non Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) and the Argyll Fisheries Trust.

The overall aim of the project is the production of local biosecurity plans for each of the 20 constituent trusts of RAFTS. Key project outputs and actions are:

1.   Bio-security plans for each of the 20 member trusts;

2.   Formulation of a bio-security plan template;

3.   Rapid response protocols and database; and

4.   Awareness raising and training.