RAPID LIFE - holistic management of Invasive Alien Species in freshwater aquatic, riparian and coastal ecosystems

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Globally, invasive alien species (IAS) are considered to be one of the most significant causes of biodiversity loss, second only to habitat destruction. Target 5 (combat invasive alien species) of the EU Biodiversity Strategy recognises the severe impact that IAS have on biodiversity within Europe and the need for them to be managed more effectively. They represent a major threat to native plants and animals in Europe, causing damage worth billions of euros to the European economy every year. The Regulation 1143/2014 on invasive alien species entered into force on 1 January 2015. It provides for a set of measures to be taken across the EU in relation to invasive alien species included on a list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern.

OBJECTIVES

RAPID (Reducing and Preventing IAS Dispersal) LIFE will deliver a package of measures to reduce the impact and spread of IAS in freshwater aquatic, riparian and coastal environments across England. It will help to conserve species protected under the Birds and Habitats directives whilst assisting in compliance with the EU Regulation on IAS, Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Water Framework Directive. The conservation status of Natura 2000 sites will also be enhanced and protected.

Specific project objectives are to:

Establish a regionally-based framework across England to deliver more effective IAS management, facilitating the production of regional IAS management plans;

Prevent the introduction of new IAS to the project’s target environments by increasing biosecurity awareness amongst target audiences, through a coordinated programme of engagement at England-wide and regional levels;

Increase awareness and efficacy of UK-level early warning and rapid response systems within England and establish localised rapid response protocols;

Eradicate and control established IAS in high-priority areas whilst demonstrating strategic and best practice approaches; and

Disseminate the exemplar approach throughout European and international networks.

Expected results: RAPID LIFE will enhance management of IAS in target environments across England. It will give a strategic underpinning to IAS management at a local level and increase the efficacy of biosecurity campaigns. The conservation actions delivered will prevent the introduction of novel IAS, facilitate rapid responses to new IAS and better manage widespread IAS. RAPID LIFE’s programme will benefit some of the Natura 2000 sites identified through the EU LIFE+ IPENS (LIFE11 NAT/UK/000384) project as having IAS related threats or issues. RAPID LIFE will also help to protect the 14 native species for which IAS were identified as a pressure and/or threat as part of the UK’s third Habitats Directive reporting (2013).

Specific expected results are:

12.5% increase in the number of white -clawed crayfish within the South West region;

58.5% reduction in the distribution of Himalayan balsam in the Bristol Avon and River Wensum catchments;

55% reduction in the distribution of Japanese knotweed in the Bristol Avon and River Wensum catchments; and

75% reduction of signal crayfish within the South West region.