Explore the New Severn Estuary Biosecurity Plan

Explore the New Severn Estuary Biosecurity Plan

This year, to mark Invasive Non Native Species Week, we are excited to announce the launch of the Severn Estuary Biosecurity Plan—a collaborative and proactive strategy designed to address the growing threat of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) across the Severn Estuary. 

This plan represents a united effort to safeguard one of the UK’s most dynamic and ecologically significant estuarine environments, recognised for its nationally and internationally important habitats and wildlife. 

Led by the Severn Estuary Partnership, and funded by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales, the Biosecurity Plan has been co-developed with a wide network of stakeholders, including local authorities, marine industries, environmental NGOs, and recreational user groups. The Severn Estuary Partnership would like to thank all the individuals and organisations who dedicated their time to developing this plan in our workshops and one-to-one sessions.

The plan takes a pathway-based approach, targeting the main routes by which INNS are introduced and spread. It focuses on six priority sectors: recreation, angling, commercial operations, marinas, habitat and species restoration and field research and monitoring. 

To support implementation, this dedicated online resource is hosted on the Severn Estuary Partnership website. This includes sector-specific guidance, practical tools, and actions to help make biosecurity more accessible, effective, and embedded in day-to-day activities. 

Looking ahead, the next phase will include targeted outreach and training sessions, monitoring and evaluation of uptake and effectiveness and continued support for local users and stakeholders to adopt and champion biosecurity best practice. 

To explore the full plan, access resources, or get involved, visit: www.severnestuarypartnership.org.uk/biosecurity/ or email us at severn@cardiff.ac.uk

To learn more about Invasive Non Native Species Week, click here. 

---