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17 October 2011
Cumbria Freshwater Biosecurity
We in Cumbria love spending our time in and on the water. Protecting our freshwaters from invasive non-native species is something that we must all address as it is our responsibility. Invasive non-native species can hitchhike on our equipment, clothing, dogs and boats. When we move to a new pond, stream or lake, the species are released and may become established and alter our waters dramatically.
We can all help to prevent the spread of freshwater hitchhikers by following a simple three step process every time we leave any pond, stream or lake.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CHECK CLEAN DRY POSTER HERE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CUMBRIA FRESHWATER BIOSECURITY LEAFLET
The Cumbria Freshwater Biosecurity Plan
The need for a strategic, coordinated approach to management of FINNS was recognised by Natural England in 2007. Two county-wide invasive species Fora were created in Norfolk and Cumbria, and stakeholder meetings were held in 2007 and 2008. Following these, the Cumbria Freshwater Invasive Non-Native Species (CFINNS) Initiative was launched in its current form with the appointment of the county coordinator in April 2010. The Initiative is currently funded by Natural England and the Environment Agency, although broader funding was envisaged at the time of the initial Forum meetings. The Coordinator is employed through the South Cumbria Rivers Trust.
Following the recent success of the Biosecurity plans developed by the Rivers and Fisheries Trust Scotland (RAFTS), the Rivers Trusts (RT) and RAFTS have collaborated in the development of two Biosecurity Plans in England. The CFINNS Initiative was chosen to lead with the Biosecurity Plan for Cumbria as a pilot for a potential national programme of action. The CFINNS Initiative members consider that the preparation and implementation of this Biosecurity Plan is essential in order to complete the objectives of the Initiative.
The plan provides a basis for local action to address Cumbria’s freshwater and riparian biosecurity issues. It has an adaptive lifespan of five years and, its outcomes and impacts will be reviewed and incorporated into subsequent versions of the plan. Although it is not a legal instrument per se, it utilises existing legal and regulatory instruments. As such the implementation of the plan will rely on the formation of strong local partnerships founded on solid legal and policy principles by interested parties.
The plan has been produced through the CFINNS Initiative in which the Cumbria Forum identified and agreed the aims, outputs and actions documented here. The plan proposes partnerships in order to address the complex issues associated with freshwater biosecurity. It therefore represents the agreed approach of the CFINNS Initiative for the prevention, early detection and control of FINNS, diseases and parasites. As the spread of FINNS is not isolated to the county of Cumbria this plan will also facilitate coordination and communication with neighbouring county projects.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CUMBRIA FRESHWATER BIOSECURITY PLAN
