Risk Assessment and Prioritisation for Invasive Species John Kelly

Overview Aims of RA process Overview of methodology Preliminary results Pathway and vector management - which are already covered by COP/Legislation/Education and awareness, which are not being managed at all? Implications for Ireland - species, pathways, new challenges What actions are needed? ISI plans, gaps and needs Next steps

What is Invasive Species Risk Assessment?

High Risk Define Management Priorities ISAPs Prevent further invasion, if appropriate Recorded species Risk Assessment Medium Risk Define Management Priorities ISAPs/Guidance Prevent further invasion, if appropriate Low Risk Re-evaluate in future, if required High Risk Develop exclusion strategies Monitor for incursion Develop response capabilities Medium Risk Consider exclusion strategies Monitor for incursion Develop response capabilities Potential species Low Risk Re-evaluate in future, if required

Sources of information Recorded species list National Biodiversity Data Centre CEDaR Quercus report Global Invasive Species Database –Ireland Biochange Database Potential species list GB Non-Native Species Secretariat Quercus report EPPO Priority List Global Invasive Species Database –GB, France, Germany, Netherlands JNCC Marine Invaders

Basic Information

Habitat Information

Pathways and Vectors

Risk Assessment Current Distribution Expanding range Invasive History Spread Potential Availability of suitable habitats

Risk Assessment Conservation Goals Plant and/or Animal Health Human Health Economy Management

Risk Summary

Results Preliminary results available Ranked lists emerging Developing Risk Communication Tools Habitats Pathways and Vectors

Frequency of Scores: Recorded Species

Uncertainty: Traffic Light System Red – High degree of uncertainty in the assessment. Very little documented evidence to support assessment. Amber – Reasonable degree of confidence but more reliance on expert opinion. Green – High degree of confidence in in the assessment. Reliance on documented evidence. Uncertain – Probable – Expert Opinion - Documented

Frequency of Scores: Potential Species

Other emerging trends Pet species Unregulated release is still an issue Biosecurity Guidance on keeping non-natives Engagement with the Early Warning Network

A lot done, more to do Codes of Practice –Water Users –Aquaculture –Horticulture –Marina Operators Invasive Species Action Plans Promote existing and forthcoming legislative provisions –All stakeholders!!

Public Awareness Be Pet Wise

Further considerations What species are coming into Ireland and Northern Ireland? –No central database –No central organisation providing guidance Constantly changing Recorded species Potential species Climate change No clear ‘home’ for species found in houses

Next Steps Finalise and Review all Risk Assessments Publish results Prevent incursion of high risk species Promote Biosecurity Early Warning –Recording