BOOKING NOW CLOSED FOR THE

Third Sector GB Invasive Non Native Species & Biosecurity Planning Conference led by RAFTS and ART

Tuesday 7th June 2011 (to 5.00pm)
at Fishmongers' Hall, London

Introduction to Rivers & Fisheries Trusts, Biosecurity Planning and Invasive Non Native Species Control
Biosecurity issues associated with invasive non native species (INNS), fish diseases and parasites are of increasing ecological and economic significance. Furthermore there is also increasing probability of their introduction and spread due to expanding trade and tourism as well as climate change. Ecological changes wrought by INNS can further threaten already endangered native species and reduce the natural productivity and amenity value of the rivers lakes and lochs. A recently published report has estimated the economic impacts of INNS cost the UK economy, £1.7 billion per year.
Waterbodies (rivers, lakes, canals and wetlands) are particularly vulnerable to INNS as they are excellent habitats and transport vectors for the dispersal of many of these species. Without concerted and coordinated action the ecological, social and economic impacts and the costs for mitigation, control and eradication of INNS and diseases will continue to increase. Although there are now GB level strategies and processes providing the policy framework and priority for control, implementation of effective prevention and control measures at the local level has often been more difficult to achieve.
The rivers and fisheries trusts of the UK and their professional and volunteer networks are well placed to make a significant contribution to addressing aquatic and riparian INNS and biosecurity issues. Currently there are a total of 62 individual rivers and fisheries trusts working individually and together through respective national associations. Affiliated to Association of Rivers Trusts (ART), 37 trusts cover over 75% of England, Wales and are also active in Northern Ireland; whilst 25 trusts, covering over 90% of Scotland, are members of the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS). This network is now increasingly actively involved in delivering invasive species management and implementing bio-security measures.
RAFTS has an already established Biosecurity Programme which has completed twenty two biosecurity plans that have stimulated, coordinated and prioritised local level action linked to national and GB strategies and protocols. The Biosecurity Plans have led to, and generated, INNS control projects worth over £4 million in Scotland alone. The success of this programme in Scotland has raised the opportunity of replicating the same approach in other parts of the UK.
The need for coordinated and strategic approaches that link local actions to national strategies and the work already undertaken in Scotland provide the justification and an opportunity to investigate how GB aquatic and riparian INNS issues can be addressed through a collaborative approach between fisheries and rivers trusts, the wider third sector and Government.

Conference Objectives:
There are two objectives to be addressed in the conference:

1. Demonstrate the work already being undertaken by Rivers and Fisheries Trusts and associated third sector organisations in the UK; and,
2. To invite government and its agencies to support a UK wide strategy for the introduction of biosecurity measures and planning for the management of aquatic and riparian INNS to be delivered in a third sector partnership based on a strategic catchment approach in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive, Habitats Directive and Convention on Biodiversity.

The conference will include presentations and discussion on topics including:

 Introducing and recognising the INNS problem;
 The current European and UK situation of policy and practice;
 Case studies and examples of INNS control from across the UK;
 Charting a way forward.

Conference Programme (Draft)
10.00-10.25 Registration
Introduction and welcome by Sir Angus Stirling, Chairman of The Fishmongers’ Company Fish and Fisheries Committee

Session 1: Introducing and Recognising the INNS Problem.
Chair: To be announced
10.30-10.50 INNS prevention, surveillance and control: The role of the third sector - To be announced
10.50-11.10 The Rivers and Trusts of the UK: Who we are and what we do - Arlin Rickard (Association of Rivers Trusts)
11.10-11.20 Question and Answer

Session 2: Existing European and UK Situation
Chair: To be announced
11.20-11.50 Aquatic and Riparian INNS in Europe: Policy and Emerging Threats - Piero Genovesi (Chair IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group)
11.40-12.00 GB INNS Strategy and the work of the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts - Niall Moore (GB Non Native Species Secretariat)
12.00-12.20 INNS and the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of the UK: An overview. - Chris Horrill (RAFTS)
12.20-12.30 Question and Answer

12.30-13.30 Lunch

Session 3: Case studies and examples
Chair: To be announced
13.30-13.50 RAFTS/ART: Biosecurity Planning in Scotland & England - Chris Horrill (RAFTS)
13.50-14.10 Catchment Based Approach to INNS Issues in Scotland - Simon McKelvey (Cromarty Firth Fisheries Trust) OR Richie Miller Deveron, Bogie and Isla FT
14.10-14.30 Developing and Maintaining Partnerships for Countywide Delivery in England - Bekka Close (South Cumbria Rivers Trust)
14.30-14.50 Tackling INNS in Northern Ireland: The Ballinderry Experience - Mark Horton (Ballinderry Rivers Trust)
14.50-15.00 Question and Answer

15.00-15.20 Tea and Coffee

15.20-15.50 Angling Trust: Awareness, sentinels and biosecurity- Mark Owen (Angling Trust)
15.50-16.20 Trusts and Volunteers for INNS Control: A lethal combination - Thames 21 or Wandle Rivers Trust
16.20-16.30 Question and Answer
16.30-17.00 Session 4: Charting a Way Forward Chair: To be announced

The Fishmongers’ Company is one of the City of London’s ancient guilds, with long-standing Charter and statutory powers regarding the fisheries industry in the United Kingdom. It has adapted over the years and its role has changed, but a central aim remains:

‘the promotion of a healthy, prosperous and sustainable fish and fisheries sector for the long-term benefit of the United Kingdom’

The Company supports the fish and fisheries sector in many ways, including by making charitable and other grants for scientific research and educational purposes. It is an apolitical and independent body, not reliant on any particular interest group. It seeks to provide a forum for rational, science-based debate of important issues and to help bring together for common benefit the fragmented UK fish and fisheries sector. Partly because of its own long history, it attaches particular importance to issues of sustainability.