Prevent the spread of invasive species 

Simple steps we can all take to help prevent the spread of alien species.

Few things can match the enjoyment of dropping the hook in a quiet anchorage. But did you know that below the surface, possibly clinging to your anchor chain, can lurk a predator most foul!

The Carpet Sea Squirt! Ok so the Carpet Sea Squirt, or Didemnum vexillum (DV) to give its proper name, isn’t really a predator most foul, but it does look revolting and it is just one of nearly 80 non-native invasive species (NNIS) that can have serious detrimental effects on our natural ecosystems; in the case of DV, smothering native species and habitats.

Quickly transported around our shores

Although NNIS have been introduced by accident from foreign parts (often in the ballast water of ships and tankers), they are quickly and easily transported around our shores by hitching a ride on our boats.

For recreational boaters, an invasion of alien species could result in temporary restrictions on our activities.

Check, Clean, Dry

It is therefore really important that we all work to try and limit the spread of these unwelcome visitors around UK waters. Caroline Price, the RYA’s Planning and Environment Advisor, has been working with DEFRA to launch their brand new Check, Clean, Dry Campaign to help water sports enthusiasts play their part in helping to prevent the spread of these aliens.

Caroline said “The RYA welcomes this new awareness campaign. A joined-up approach is vital if we are to prevent the spread of invasive species.”

Wash down your anchor and chain

One of the simplest ways to prevent spreading NNIS is to wash down your anchor and chain when leaving an anchorage, thereby removing any unwanted stowaways from hitching a ride to the next anchorage.

If trailing your boat from its usual launching point to another location, then give it a wash down and dry off before you leave and before bringing it back again. Another way is to give your hull a good clean off every year as alien species love clinging to the bottom of static boats. When cleaning, pay particular attention to the

• Propeller
• Prop shaft
• Bottom of the keel

As well as those hard to reach places such as water inlets and outlets where they love to hang out.

Particular problem on boats that haven’t been lifted out of the water

Alien Species tend to be a particular problem on boats that have not been lifted out of the water for a while. So if you didn’t manage to lift out last winter it’s really important that you do so this year. You may be amazed at what you find growing there and don’t forget the improved speed and fuel efficiency will be well worth it.

Further information and advice can be found at The Green Blue

Advice on Alien Species

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Helen Waterhouse, The Green Blue Development Officer