Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/N008391/1
Biosecurity to slow the spread of Invasive Non Native Species
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Dr AM Dunn, University of Leeds, Sch of Biology
- Grant held at:
- University of Leeds, Sch of Biology
- Science Area:
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Freshwater
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- Conservation Ecology
- Water Quality
- Abstract:
- Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) threaten ecosystem services, costing the UK approximately 1.7bn pounds per year. For example, zebra mussels block water pipes, salmon lice damage fish stocks, floating pennywort can lead to flooding. Freshwaters rivers and lakes are particularly vulnerable to the spread of INNS through trade, transport and recreation. Good biosecurity is essential to prevent the introduction and spread of invaders in freshwaters and new EU legislation requires member states to manage the risk of INNS spread. In 2010, DEFRA launched the CHECK, CLEAN, DRY campaign, to encourage people to check, clean and dry equipment (eg. Fishing gear, clothes, boats) to kill potential 'hitchhiking' invaders and minimise their spread. However, recent work from our lab shows that many invaders in fact survive this process and that we need better ways to kill invasive hitchikers. The Environment Agency has 10,000 staff in flood risk management, waste and water, fisheries, navigation and environmental protection. Evidence on safe and pragmatic biosecurity methods is needed to safeguard habitats from the accidental transfer of invasive species and diseases associated with them. The Environment Agency needs data on efficient ways to prevent the spread of invaders. These techniques must be cost-effective and easy to use. They need to understand what designs represent the best use of public money in order to upgrade their biosecurity facilities across the business. This evidence will allow them to apply a level of biosecurity that is appropriate for the risk as well as enhancing the information they provide to their customer. AIMS. The student will 1. Develop effective and pragmatic biosecurity practices to reduce the spread of invasive animals, plants, parasites and pathogens. 2. Improve cost effectiveness and ease of use by developing a tiered approach applicable to the risks of invaders and resources available at different sites/organisations 3. Assess the efficacy of biosecurity training within the EA by evaluating staff awareness and changes in behaviour. 4. Develop evidence-based interventions to encourage uptake and spread of biosecurity practice. The Environment Agency supervisor plays a key role at the interface of research, policy and practice, advising the government on invasive species issues, and driving national projects to improve biosecurity. Evidence and guidance arising from the project will benefit the Environment Agency, UK businesses, and conservation. In the longer term, changes in biosecurity policy and practice as a result of the project will slow the spread of invasive non-native species in the UK, with social (recreation, tourism) and economic (flood management, aquaculture, fisheries) benefits.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/N008391/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Industrial CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £96,710
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - Student Stipend | Total - RTSG |
|---|---|---|
| £19,248 | £66,464 | £11,000 |
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