Severn Estuary PartnershipLanguage: English | Cymraeg
Severn Estuary Events Pathway Action Plan
Large public or commercial events on or near the Severn Estuary, such as regattas, boating festivals, fishing competitions, and water sports events, can increase the risk of spreading invasive non-native species (INNS). With higher numbers of vessels, equipment, and participants moving in and out of the estuary, the chances of introducing or transferring INNS are significantly elevated. Individuals moving between different locations may unknowingly carry INNS via their equipment and activities. Kit and equipment can harbour microscopic organisms, animals (as eggs and in their larval, juvenile and adult life stages) and seaweed (as fragments or spores) which are not always visible to the naked eye.
To reduce this risk, event organisers should put biosecurity measures in place, such as cleaning stations for boats, paddles, fishing gear, and other equipment. Additionally, organisers should encourage participants to follow best practices, such as thoroughly cleaning and drying their equipment before and after the event, to help prevent the spread of INNS.
Relevant stakeholders for this action plan are event organisers.
Severn Estuary Events Pathway Action Plan
| Action number | Action | Links |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1 | Endorse this plan and promote the uptake of actions contained within this plan across your sector. | |
| 7.2 | Consider AQUA accreditation or use templates provided to draft a biosecurity plan for your organisation using the resources on this site. | AQUA Marine Biosecurity for Construction and Events (NNSS) |
| 7.3 | Nominate a biosecurity lead in your organisation/group. Encourage them to educate staff and customers about marine invasive non-native species using the resources available on these biosecurity pages. | |
| 7.4 | Ask the biosecurity lead to report species on iRecord. If you do not recognise a species, send a photo to your local records centre. | IRecord Local Records Centres (ALERC) |
| 7.5 | Educate staff, customers and contractors by including information on marine invasive non-native species and biosecurity in your existing print and online media. | |
| 7.6 | Include information on INNS, biosecurity best-practice, inspections and reporting in mandatory induction training for staff. | Training (NNSS) |
| 7.7 | Complete a biosecurity risk assessment for activities taking place on the coast and ensure any risks are suitably mitigated. | Marine Biosecurity (NNSS) |
| 7.8 | Insert a biosecurity clause in information put out at boating and watersports events to ensure that competitors from outside the Severn Estuary arrive with clean equipment and boats, and are aware of Check, Clean, Dry and the need to stop marine invasive non-native species spread. | |
| 7.9 | If appropriate invite a local wildlife organisation to have a stall at the event and ask for them to highlight INNS to visitors and the importance of biosecurity. Request the Natural Resources Wales marine INNS kit for the event. | For more information about the Marine INNS Kit (Museum.Wales) |
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