Marine biosecurity plans for Wales
Marine invasive non-native species (INNS) can disrupt ecosystems and harm our seas. They can outcompete native species, change habitats and spread disease. This can lead to a loss of biodiversity, damage to fisheries and aquaculture, and significant economic impacts.
The resources below provide guidance, evidence and tools to help reduce the risk of introducing and spreading invasive non-native species in Welsh seas.
They are useful if you are:
- planning or carrying out an activity in the marine environment
- managing activities that may affect marine habitats or species
The guidance can help you to:
- assess biosecurity risks associated with different sectors/activities, INNS and sites in Welsh seas
- identify practical actions that can reduce the risk of introducing and spreading marine INNS, including sector-specific actions
- learn about marine INNS and biosecurity in Welsh seas
- produce a marine biosecurity plan for a site or activity in Wales
- identify approved resources and guidance for marine INNS and biosecurity in Welsh seas
For more information about marine biosecurity in Wales, visit the Wild Seas Wales website.
Biosecurity resources
The action plans below aim to help you to understand and manage biosecurity risks in Welsh seas.
They provide practical advice based on current policy and evidence, supporting consistent and effective action across a range of sectors and activities.
The plans can help:
- reduce the risk of introducing and spreading marine INNS
- support consistent and effective biosecurity practice
- improve awareness, monitoring and reporting
- support coordinated action across organisations and sectors
Biosecurity Action Plans (BAPs)
Biosecurity Action Plans outline practical measures to reduce the risk of introducing or spreading INNS at a national or site level.
They:
- identify key biosecurity risks for a site or activity
- set out practical actions to manage those risks
- provide guidance on how to carry out biosecurity actions
- support coordinated working between stakeholders
BAPs have been developed for marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in Wales:
- Menai Strait and Conwy Bay SAC
- Cardigan Bay SAC
- Pembrokeshire Marine SAC
- Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries SAC
Marine biosecurity plans for the Severn Estuary and Dee Estuary have been developed in collaboration with Natural England.
A national Marine Biosecurity Action Plan for Wales is also available.
Pathway Action Plans (PAPs)
Pathway Action Plans focus on managing the main routes by which INNS are introduced and spread.
Key pathways in Welsh seas include:
- commercial shipping
- aquaculture
- recreational boating (small boats)
- recreational boating (large boats)
- boat-based fishing
- shore-based fishing
- recreational water-based activities
Each pathway action plan includes information about:
- how INNS are spread by that pathway
- how INNS can impact the activities and operations associated with the pathway
- relevant high-risk species for the pathway
- best practice guidance to reduce risk
PAPs are an effective way to manage the risks posed by multiple INNS.
Species Action Plans (SAPs)
Species Action Plans provide targeted guidance for high-priority marine INNS in Wales.
They include information on:
- pathways of introduction and spread
- potential impacts on biodiversity and activities
- recommended management and control measures
Priority marine species for Wales include: