Invasive plants and animals to look out for
The spread of non-native invasive species is becoming a major issue in both the marine and inland waters around the UK. This is because the invasive species compete with our native plants and wildlife, introduce diseases and cause major changes to entire ecosystems.
They can also disrupt boating by restricting navigation, blocking inlets and outlets and increasing the bio-fouling of boats and marine structures.
Invasive species can unintentionally become transported to a new habitat by becoming attached to boats, caught in water sport’s equipment or even by latching onto our clothes. The best way to protect your local area of water is to follow the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ approach to removing invasive species.
Check for any plant or animal material on your boat, equipment and clothing.
Clean your boat, equipment and clothing that has come into contact with the water thoroughly with tap water. Paying particular attention to crevices where species can be hidden.
Dry your craft and any piece of equipment or clothing thoroughly. Many species can survive in damp conditions for many weeks.
Below you will find information about some of the prolific aquatic invasive plants and animals to lookout for when spending time by the coast.
COASTAL
Wire Weed – Originally from Japan, it grows on hard substrata in shallow waters and can also live in estuarine conditions. Wire weed has a rapid growth rate and easily out competes the native seaweed species. Its dense stature means that it blocks out light and oxygen to native species in the water. In the spring months the Weed can grow up to 10 cm a day.
Credit: Non-Native Species Secretariat
Wakame Seaweed – It can be identified by its green-brown leaves and its frilly base. The Seaweed is a prolific grower and excludes native algal species and alters the local food chain. It can grow up to nine feet and can create a thick canopy.
Credit: Non-Native Species Secretariat
Carpet Sea Squirt – The Carpet Sea Squirt is a marine filter feeder and smothers local marine life. As an individual, it is incredibly small, however individuals live in large colonies creating the appearance of one large structure, once established they can spread fast on the seabed. The Squirt is brownish in colour and can become a serious threat to biodiversity.
Pacific Oyster – They are more irregularly shaped than the flat native oysters, and the edges of the shell have wavy, large frills. The inside of the shell is white to off/white with purple streaks. Establishment of Pacific Oysters can significantly alter diversity, community structure and ecosystems.
Chinese Mitten Crab – These crabs often begin life in lower estuaries and marine habitats and then move upstream to riverbanks and streams. They can range from green, brown to grey in colour and their front white tipped pincers are covered in dense fine white hairs. Due to their burrowing activity in riverbanks, they can cause heavy bank erosion and flooding.
The Green Blue is dedicating the 24 – 30 May to ‘Invasive Species Week.’ The week’s aim is to raise awareness of non-native invasive species, to help water users feel confident in identifying any invasive species that they encounter and to share preventative measures and tips.
Can’t wait ‘til then? Check out The Green Blue website: www.thegreenblue.org.uk where you will find a range of information on how you can improve the biosecurity of your sailing club or centre as well as guidance and advice for how all recreational boaters can do our bit to prevent the spread of invasive species.
An efficient engine is good for the environment but will also give you a better ride and a less painful experience filling up at the pump!
While antifouling does a great job of keeping hulls clean, and even has some environmental benefits such as improving fuel efficiency, it’s toxic to aquatic life. Some of the compounds in antifouling can get into the marine food chain. Boat owners can play a vital role in preventing concentrated paint residue and scrapings from entering the water, and these tips will help:
Oil and fuel can enter the water in a number of ways, and a small proportion of this comes from the recreational boating sector. Oil and fuel contain hydrocarbons and heavy metals that not only affect human health but can also seriously damage the aquatic environment.
Products used for cleaning and maintenance by berthholders and marina visitors have an impact on pollution levels in marinas. Cleaners used on hulls and decks often contain microplastics, chlorine, ammonia, potassium hydroxide and solvents, all potentially harmful to the aquatic environment.
Everything has a carbon footprint. But by introducing a few simple, low-cost measures you could save as much as 20% on your boating-related energy bills.
There is increased interest among the boating community in alternative mooring systems and the replacement of conventional sinkers and risers with more technically advanced designs. As these are perceived to have significant benefits for the environment, they have been referred to as eco-moorings in the past. However, there are a number of potential advantages for users as well – both mooring owners and boat users – so the term Advanced Mooring Systems (AMS) has now come into use.
The riser (rode) is where more research is being undertaken, in order to address technical and environmental concerns:
The RYA will continue to be actively involved in projects researching AMS, and we are interested in people’s views on their suitability. If you have experience (good or bad!) of using or installing such systems then please let us know via environment@rya.org.uk
An efficient engine is not only good for the environment, it will give you a better ride on the water and a less painful experience filling up at the pump!
As boaters we are always delighted to encounter wildlife when out on the water or when onshore. Be it dolphins riding the bow wave, a group of seals and their pups resting on a rocky outcrop or a Heron stood majestically amongst the reeds.
Anchoring is an essential part of boating, whether you are stopping for lunch or sheltering from stormy conditions. Some important seabed habitats, particularly Seagrass and Maerl beds, may be sensitive to anchoring activities.
While antifouling does a great job of keeping our hulls clean, and even has some environmental benefits such as improving fuel efficiency and preventing the spread of invasive non-native species, it is toxic to aquatic life. Some of the compounds found in these antifouls can accumulate in marine organisms, and can find their way into marine wildlife further up the food chain.
