The dirty dozen
14 August 2008
British Waterways is highlighting the 12 non-native species most likely to choke its canals, rivers and towpaths and harm native wildlife, in a bid to encourage the public to think again about the environmental impact of the plants and pets they buy and dispose of.
Many invasive non-native species have made their way into the UK’s inland waterways in recent years. These include the seemingly harmless weeds released by people when clearing out their garden ponds; the mink let out of fur farms; and even a rash of Red-Eared Terrapins released after the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle’ craze of the 1990s.
Non-native, invasive species can cause serious problems for native wildlife, boating, access to banks and towpaths, and the maintenance of the infrastructure of the waterways. Dealing with problem species costs British Waterways around £1 million each year and its ecologists, in conjunction with other organisations, monitor the impact of invasive species on native wildlife habitats.
Across Britain’s 2,200 mile waterway network, the 12 worst offending plants and animals are: Japanese Knotweed, Australian Swamp Stonecrop, Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, Water Fern, Floating Pennywort, Chinese Mitten Crab, Red-Eared Terrapin, Mink, Zander, American Signal Crayfish, and Zebra Mussels.
British Waterways’ National Ecologist, Chris John said: “Whilst not all non-native species are harmful, many pose real problems to our native wildlife, to boaters and to our historic channels, locks and bridges. With no natural predators to control them they can overwhelm wildlife, channels, banks and towpaths.
“British Waterways invests a large amount of time and money to protect our canals and rivers through identifying, monitoring and controlling damaging species. This is very costly and diverts resources that could be used elsewhere on the waterway network. We are therefore asking people to help us by disposing of non-native plants safely and carefully, selecting alternative plants for gardens, ponds and aquariums.”
Non-native invasive species arrive in the UK in a variety of ways, from their use in the horticulture, agriculture and aquaculture industries to coming in on or attached to ships. Often unaware of their potential to cause damage to native wildlife, people introduce non-native, invasive plants and animals to the waterways when they dispose of them.
Invasive species cause problems for a number of reasons:
- they are normally bigger, faster growing or more aggressive than native species, meaning they have no natural predators to control their numbers
- they’re often resistant to traditional control techniques
- they compete with native species for space, water and sunlight, and are recognised as the second most important threat to wildlife diversity after habitat destruction and decline*
- their rapid growth can choke rivers and canal channels, and they can become caught on boat rudders, lock gates and canal fixtures.
British Waterways is now encouraging people to help curb the spread of these waterway invaders by doing a number of things, such as:
- buy alternative native plant species for ponds and gardens
- destroy or dispose of invasive non-native plants from a garden or ornamental pond in an appropriate and responsible way. Do not put them in a waterway, throw over the garden fence, or fly tip. Many species of non-native plants can be disposed of by householders in their domestic waste or recycling bins, in small quantities, but if in doubt seek professional advice.
- buy properly labelled plants as problem plants may be sold under different names. If in doubt, check with the supplier or seek professional advice and let Trading Standards know about mislabelled plants. Do not accept unknown plants or animals from friends and neighbours.
- do not release unwanted pets into the wild, which can be an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act and cause problems.
- prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species when using the canal - especially boaters and anglers - by cleaning equipment in warm soapy water and allowing it to dry fully before transporting it from one water body to another.
*Stated in CBD News Vol. 1 No 1, Jan/ March 2001. It has also been restated in the Invasive Non-native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain, published by Defra, Welsh Assembly Government, and Scottish Government.
ENDS
For more press information, images of the dirty dozen or to request an interview please contact:
Gary Hartley on 020 7985 7263 or email gary.hartley@britishwaterways.co.uk
Notes to editors:
British Waterways cares for a 2,200-mile network of canals and navigable rivers throughout Britain, working to provide a sustainable future for the inland waterways and generate maximum benefit and enjoyment to all from this unique environmental and leisure resource. We work with a broad range of public, private and voluntary sector partners to unlock the potential of the inland waterways and generate income for reinvestment in the waterways for the benefit of the millions who visit and care for the waterways every year. www.britishwaterways.co.uk
Canals and rivers are now among the country's most important environmental assets. They provide an ideal habitat and feeding ground for a diverse range of flora and fauna. They reach into the heart of most of Britain’s larger towns and cities and often bring a unique cross-section of the countryside right to urban door-steps for all to enjoy. This wide range of habitats and species, giving canals and rivers a unique biodiversity. Habitats range from the grassland and scrub of cuttings and embankments, boundary hedgerows and towpath verges, to the reedy fringes and the water channel. Waterways are also especially important for wetland species.