Pathway Management

What Are Invasive Species?

Invasive species are plants, animals or other organisms that are introduced outside their natural range and cause harm. While many non-native species do not create problems, some become invasive and can:

• Damage native wildlife and habitats
• Disrupt ecosystem services (such as pollination, water quality and flood regulation)
• Cause economic losses
• Impact human health

The movement of species around the world has increased due to global trade, travel and transport. As a result, the number of non-native species recorded in Europe has risen significantly over the past two centuries.

Research shows that over 10,800 non-native species are now present in Europe. Around 10–15% of these are estimated to have harmful economic or ecological impacts.

In Ireland, national assessments indicate that approximately 13% of recorded non-native species are classified as high-impact invasive species. The rate of new introductions increased substantially during the 20th century, with a further sharp rise in high-impact species between 2001 and 2010.

These trends highlight the need for strong preventative action.

What Are “Pathways”?

Invasive species can enter and spread through various pathways. A pathway is the route by which a species is introduced.

Pathways may be:

• Intentional – for example, through horticulture, aquaculture or the pet trade
• Unintentional – for example, through contaminated goods, shipping, transport equipment or natural spread across borders

Because resources are limited, it is important to focus on the pathways that pose the greatest risk.

The Policy Context Underpinning Management of Pathways

EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species

The EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species (Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014) came into force on 1 January 2015. It provides a coordinated legal framework across all Member States to prevent and manage invasive species.

The Regulation aims to:

• Protect biodiversity and ecosystem services
• Reduce economic damage
• Prevent risks to human health
• Limit the spread of invasive species across borders

A central element of the Regulation is the List of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern. Species included on this list are subject to strict controls across the European Union. It is prohibited to:

• Bring these species into the EU
• Keep or breed them
• Transport them
• Sell or trade them
• Release them into the environment

Currently, 114 species are listed. Species are added to the list only after a detailed scientific risk assessment. This assessment evaluates the likelihood of introduction, spread and impact.

Pathway Action Plans (Article 13)

Under Article 13 of the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species, Member States must:

• Analyse the main pathways through which invasive species may enter and spread.
• Identify priority pathways based on:
  • The number of species entering through them, or
  • The level of damage those species may cause.
• Develop Pathway Action Plans for the highest-risk pathways.

What Is a Pathway Action Plan?

A Pathway Action Plan sets out practical measures to reduce the risk of invasive species being introduced or spread through a specific pathway.

Measures may include:

• Improved biosecurity practices
• Industry guidance and codes of conduct
• Awareness and training initiatives
• Monitoring and inspection measures

These plans are preventative in nature and aim to reduce future risks before new species become established.

Ireland’s Approach

Ireland carries out an assessment for IAS of Union concern to assess:

• The likelihood of introduction and spread
• The potential environmental, economic and social impacts

Based on this analysis, pathways are ranked and prioritised. Pathway Action Plans are then developed for those posing the highest risk.

In addition, Ireland is required to:

• Establish surveillance systems
• Notify the European Commission of new occurrences
• Implement rapid eradication where feasible
• Put management measures in place where eradication is not possible

International Context

The development of Pathway Action Plans supports Ireland’s international biodiversity commitments, including:

• The Convention on Biological Diversity Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 (Aichi Target 9)
• The EU Biodiversity Strategy

Both frameworks emphasise the importance of identifying priority invasive species and managing the pathways through which they spread.

Why This Matters

Preventing the introduction of invasive species is more effective and less costly than managing them after they become established.

By identifying high-risk pathways and implementing targeted measures, Ireland aims to:

• Protect native species and habitats
• Safeguard ecosystem services
• Reduce long-term economic costs
• Support sustainable development

Preventative action remains the most effective response to the growing challenge of invasive species.

References and additional information

European Commission. 2008. Commission presents policy options for EU strategy on invasive species. Press release: European Commission – IP/08/1890 05/12/2008. Available online: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-08-1890_en.htm [Accessed: 12/01/2018]

Hulme, P.E., Roy, D.B., Cunha, T. & Larsson, T. B. 2009. A pan-European inventory of alien species: rationale, implementation and implications for managing biological invasions. Handbook of alien species in Europe (ed DAISIE), pp. 1-14. Springer, Dordrecht.

Lodge, D.M., Williams, S., MacIsaac, H.J., Hayes, K.R., Leung, B., Reichard, S., Mack, R.N., Moyle, P.B., Smith, M., Andow, D.A., Carlton, J.T. & McMichael, A. 2006. Biological invasions: Recommendations for US policy and management. Ecological Applications, 16, 2035–2054.

NOBANIS. 2015. Invasive Alien Species Pathway Analysis and Horizon Scanning for Countries in Northern Europe. © Nordic Council of Ministers 2015.

O’Flynn, C., Kelly, J. and Lysaght, L. 2014. Ireland’s invasive and non-native species – trends in introductions. National Biodiversity Data Centre Series No. 2. Ireland.

Sutherland, W.J. et al. 2008. Future novel threats and opportunities facing UK biodiversity identified by horizon scanning. Journal of Applied Ecology, 45, 821–833.

WGIAS. 2017. Prioritising Pathways of Introduction and Pathway Action Plans. Prepared by Working Group 1 of the Working Group on Invasive Alien Species (WGIAS) at the 2nd meeting of the Working Group Invasive Alien Species. Brussels, 2016-09-06. Available online:  https://circabc.europa.eu/faces/jsp/extension/wai/navigation/container.jsp [Accessed: 26/01/2017]

View the Northern Ireland and Great Britain draft pathway action plans: www.nonnativespecies.org/index.cfm?sectionid=135

[1] The official title of the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation is: Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.