Invasive Alien Species

Non-native species are those that have been introduced, either intentionally or unintentionally, outside their natural range.
Many of these non-native species live in harmony with our native species causing no adverse impacts.
However a few non-native species have become known as ‘invasive’ as they thrive in our habitats and out-compete our native flora and fauna.
Over the last century increasing travel and trade have allowed many species to overcome the geographical barriers that had previously restricted them.

Non-native invasive species are also known as invasive alien species.
They are widely recognised as one of the biggest threats to our native biodiversity, second only to that caused by habitat destruction. They not only have negative environmental impacts, but they can also adversely impact on recreational activities such as walking, boating, fishing, swimming and various other water-based leisure pursuits.

They can also have serious associated economic costs.
Once an invasive species has established within a habitat it can spread rapidly, out-competing native species.

The spread of most invasive plant species is by plant fragments or seed.
Invertebrates or mammals can move independently within aquatic or terrestrial habitats or hitch rides on the hulls of boats or on equipment.

Northern Ireland has been subject to the impacts of many invasive alien species. Within a relatively short time-scale we have already witnessed the establishment of species which are currently having a detrimental effect upon our local biodiversity.

Recent Work

In 2003 NIEA, in conjunction with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), commissioned Quercus at the Queen’s University of Belfast to carry out a review of introduced species in Ireland and make recommendations for future action.
This report was produced in 2004. Invasive Species in Ireland Report(.PDF 1.04Mb)
Following on from the report the ‘Invasive Species in Ireland Project’ was commissioned by NIEA and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to form a partnership between EnviroCentre and Quercus in May 2006 which would begin to implement the recommendations of the report for an initial three year contract.

A Field Guide to Invasive Species in Ireland (.PDF 4.0Mb) has been produced.

NIEA Position Statement on Invasive Alien Species (PDF 436Kb)

For many years we have been taking action on Invasive Alien Species through our work practices. Since the establishment of the Invasive Species in Ireland Project in 2006 we have been addressing Invasive Alien Species issues on a strategic footing in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) through the Invasive Species in Ireland Project.

We produced this position statement (PDF 436Kb) in August 2010 to set out how we have been addressing Invasive Alien Species issues through our work practices and explains our future commitment. It outlines the principal UK and European legislation and conventions whose requirements direct our policy and actions. The document also explains the principles behind our approach to Invasive Alien Species and identifies the main actions we have taken to date.