THE Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is planning to update the Wildlife Act to ensure invasive species are not brought to the Island.

They have released a consultation document for appropriate parties, regarding amending Schedule 8 of the Act.

There is a proposal to include several species of freshwater fish and plants on the list.

Manx legislation states that it is an offence to release or allow to escape into the wild, any animal species which is not ordinarily resident and is not a regular visitor to the Island in a wild state.

As the knowledge of invasive species increases and new non-native species are recorded, Schedule 8 of the legislation must be updated in order to provide adequate protection and prevent other species causing similar problems.

Invasive non-native species are one of the most significant threats to biodiversity across the world, ranking alongside climate change and habitat loss.

Their impacts can be far reaching – disrupting ecosystems, threatening economic interests and causing harm to human health.

Increased global trade, travel and transport have helped to accelerate the rate of spread of non-native species.

Non-native animals which are already on the list include Canada Geese, the Red Necked Wallaby and the Alpine Newt. Further release of these species is likely to add to the negative impact of the Island’s environment.

John Shimmin, Minister of DEFA said: "In the Isle of Man, invasive species are a risk to our unique flora and fauna, economic interests such as forestry, fishing, and farming, our health and recreational interests. We have already seen the problems caused by historic introductions such as Japanese knotweed."

 
Japanese knotweed is one of the best known species currently listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife Act.

It has spread widely across the Island particularly along water courses where small root fragments washed downstream are able to form dense new colonies.

 
Knotweed can be difficult and costly to remove as repeat herbicide applications are required and care has to be taken not to cause further spread.

 
Other species of concern include certain water plants, non-native fish and self-seeding garden shrubs.

 
A full consultation document can be obtained electronically from http://www.gov.im/consultations.gov.