With BIM’s Assistance Aquaculture businesses throughout Ireland have conducted voluntary Invasive Alien Species Risk Assessments on their farms.
14/02/2024
Alien Species Report
A report summarising work carried out by BIM to support the aquaculture sector in understanding, preventing and managing IAS risks.
Invasive alien species pose a serious and growing threat to the aquaculture industry. Under European legislation Ireland is obliged to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of the introduction, establishment and spread of invasive alien species. While many non-native species that arrive in aquaculture do not become invasive, some non-native species can have significant and lasting economic and environmental impacts. Some species can directly impact the growth and survival of aquaculture stock.
Developing a robust biosecurity strategy and implementing best practice procedures to reduce the risk of invasive species impacts is a key step in safeguarding the industry and providing producers with the necessary tools to protect their stock. In 2017 BIM developed a generic risk assessment and biosecurity guidelines for aquaculture businesses, with the aim of bringing awareness to, and encouraging voluntary action by, as many growers as possible.
BIM works with national and state agencies to share knowledge and information around marine invasive species and the development of strategies to curb the introduction, spread and impact of these invasive species on our marine environment.
Invasive Species Directory In the following section you will find information on a range of alien species which are associated with Aquaculture either through movement or because they have the potential to negatively impact aquaculture businesses as well as the natural environment. Some are already present in Ireland and others, which are not yet present, have the potential to reach our waters in the near future.
