The Severn Estuary Partnership, in collaboration with Natural Resources Wales and Natural England, recognises the importance of biosecurity in safeguarding the estuary’s marine environment and native biodiversity from invasive non-native species (INNS). Together with all users of the Severn Estuary, we are committed to implementing effective and practical actions to address this growing threat.

Implementing robust biosecurity measures is essential for protecting the ecological integrity of the Severn Estuary. These measures also benefit local businesses by reducing biofouling costs, fulfilling statutory environmental obligations, and simplifying licensing and consent processes.

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The Severn Estuary Biosecurity Action Plan

These pages aim to provide comprehensive resources to support sector specific actions to prevent and manage marine invasive non-native species using biosecurity measures and an array of resources targeting specific pathways of introduction. It also supports the reporting and identification of marine invasive non-native species. The ‘Biosecurity Action Plan for the Severn Estuary’ outlines scalable and achievable actions for all users. These measures are designed to protect the rich biodiversity and natural resources of the Severn Estuary. By implementing this plan, we aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of the estuary and the benefits it provides to both people and wildlife.

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Engaging Stakeholders in Biosecurity

We encourage active participation from all stakeholders, including industry professionals, local communities, and conservation groups. Ongoing discussions and initiatives are key to improving biosecurity in the Severn Estuary. Regular assessments of invasive non-native species impacts, and the feasibility of our actions, are essential for maintaining an informed and proactive approach to this critical issue.

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Working Together for a Sustainable Severn Estuary

We invite everyone who uses or works in the Severn Estuary—whether for recreation, work, or conservation—to learn more about the threat of marine invasive non-native species and how they can help tackle this challenge. The guidance provided in the Biosecurity Action Plan offers tailored procedures that individuals and groups can adopt to protect the estuary, meet environmental obligations, reduce maintenance costs, and assist with licence and consent applications.

With these collaborative biosecurity efforts, we can ensure the Severn Estuary remains a healthy and resilient ecosystem for future generations.

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What is a Biosecurity Action Plan?

A Biosecurity Action Plan provides a framework for preventing the introduction or spread of invasive non-native species (INNS) within or beyond a designated area. The plan includes raising awareness, monitoring and surveillance, and implementing direct actions to mitigate risks posed by INNS. This approach helps maintain the ecological balance of vulnerable areas like the Severn Estuary.

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How Was This Plan Developed?

The Severn Estuary Biosecurity Action Plan was developed by the Severn Estuary Partnership with support from Natural England and Natural Resources Wales and APEM through a cross-border approach. The plan was created after engaging stakeholders, mapping INNS pathways, and identifying biosecurity needs in the Severn. A series of workshops, both online and in-person, were conducted to gather feedback from various stakeholders. The actions in the plan are based on guidance from the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (GB NNSS) and best practices from across the UK’s marine biosecurity efforts.

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Plan Management and Updates

The Severn Estuary Partnership will manage, update, and review this Biosecurity Action Plan to ensure it continues to meet the biosecurity needs of the estuary and its users.

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