​Invasive Non Native Species Week takes place between 24 - 31 May 2021 and is a join initiative, led by the GB Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS) and Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). During the week, a wide range of organisations come together, aiming to raise awareness of invasive non-native species (INNS) and how the can impact us all. 

For the last few hundred years since the first explorers sailed the seven seas, people have brought unusual plants and animals into this country.  Many were brought in to enhance someone’s land or out of idle curiosity. Today we live with the consequences of their actions.  The grey squirrel was introduced and now our native red squirrel has all but disappeared.  Japanese Knotweed brought in to add a different dimension to the gardens of the wealthy has become a notifiable species yet still it infests large parts of the country and it almost impossible to destroy. These are just two examples of alien species that have been brought in to our country and have upset the ecosystem. 

So What!

You may well think - What has it got to do with me?? Well not only does a number of these alien species detrimentally impact our native species but has a massive impact on our waterways where you may well be teaching your learners. Several plant species have caused a major headache to navigation authorities who have to spend £25 million per year in clearing these plants that are able to totally block river, lake and canal systems and prevent the commercial and recreational use of these waters.

Still today, people bring in to the country alien species of plants and animals without due consideration what their impact can be.   Even within our country we can unwittingly transfer species from one area to another.  The very nature of canoeing is that the craft if highly transportable and can go from one water course to another and one country to another.

What can I do as a paddler and Instructor, Coach, Leader or Guide to help?

As Instructors, Coaches, Leaders and Guides, you have a vital part to play in the promotion for the need to prevent the spread of alien species by all paddlers, regardless of where they are paddling.

How do we stop the spread?

Regardless of the type of paddling you do, whether competitive or recreational, inland or coastal, the chances are is that you take your craft on to different watercourses where there is a chance you may come in contact with these harmful species.

Check you're not carrying living organisms

1. Check

Check your equipment and clothing for living organisms

Your equipment - pay particular attention to areas that are damp and hard to inspect such as the bow and stern of the boat, under the seats and rims and behind buoyancy bags and foot rests.

Your clothing- check folds of cagoules, buoyancy aids, spray-decks, throw-lines, and the clothes you wear under your cagoules.

Clean all equipment, clothing and shoes

2. Clean

Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly

If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found them do not take them home and if they are notifiable - Report It!

Use tap water to clean you boat. In times of drought you will have to do this by watering cans and buckets. Take water with you so Plan Ahead!

Dry equipment and clothing carefully

3. Dry

• Dry all equipment and clothing - some species can live for many days in moist conditions. If it’s a warm sunny day, leave your boat out in the sun to dry - along with your extra kit.
• If the sun won’t help then do dry your kit with towels etc ...  they will need to be washed after use (unless you can dry them out properly between uses). You might need to think of innovative ways of reaching inside the end of your boat but it’s important to do so.
• Make sure you don't transfer water elsewhere.

Hot Water

A new innovative way of stop the spread is to soak small items at 45deg C for 15 minutes. This has proved to result in a 99% mortality rate across all non native species.

Introduction to Environmental Awareness eLearning

This free activity gives a wealth of information about problems effecting the environment and what you can do as a paddler to help. The activity consists of 3 key sections, potential threats, invasive species and plastic patrol, with games to help embed the information and challenge you.

​Click here to complete the Introduction to Environmental Awareness eLearning.

Conclusion

Fundamentally we ALL need to do this as we have a major part to play in protecting the waterways we enjoy and are needed for our sport.

For more information visit:

Non Native Species Secretariat  that details these measures and identification guidance for over 50 non-native animal and plant species.

Report suspected sightings of invasive species using this link