Invasive species threat leads to marine advice

Cleaning equipment "thoroughly" could protect the future of Guernsey's shoreline, new guidance says.

Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services (ACLMS) and Guernsey Ports have published a Marine Biosecurity Guide to provide people with "pragmatic and easily implemented" advice.

The States of Guernsey said the guide was produced to help prevent the spread of invasive species, pests and disease in the sea and along the coast.

Key messages included making sure marine users such as sea swimmers and fishermen check equipment is clean and kept dry for as long as possible to stop non-native species spreading.

The guide, produced in collaboration with marine users, also encouraged people to report invasive non-native species they see in the water or on the shoreline.

Julia Henney, the States' senior natural environment officer, said there were already many invasive marine species in Guernsey, including Japanese wireweed.

She said the guidance aimed to help promote best practice as "once these species get here, they are almost always impossible to remove".

"There are hundreds more potentially invasive species on the horizon which could cause significant environmental, social and economic impacts if they were to enter our waters," Henney said.

Harbour master James Way said Guernsey Ports staff were aware of the "severe impact" some invasive non-native species could have on commercial fisheries and infrastructure.

He added the risk could increase with rising sea temperatures and staff would continue to be trained to report sightings of invasive species.

"Six-figure sums could be incurred in removal costs to prevent operational disruption, should they become established in future years," he said.

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