The Marine Spatial Planning Team at the NAFC Marine Centre have produced a guide to assist marine users in identifying introduced species (also known as non-native species or marine aliens), which can be damaging to Shetland’s marine environment and to its important marine industries, such as fishing and aquaculture. This is part of a project funded by Marine Scotland.

So far Shetland is relatively free from introduced species, but there is a risk that they could spread to Shetland from elsewhere in the UK, where they are becoming an increasing problem. Introduced species found on the Scottish mainland include ‘carpet sea squirt’ and ‘wireweed’, both of which are originally from Japan, but have managed to hitch a lift around the globe on boat hulls and in ballast water.

Marine Spatial Planning Manager, Rachel Shucksmith said: “Man-made structures, such as boat hulls, marinas and aquaculture infrastructure, can offer ideal habitats for introduced species to grow on. As well as an identification guide we have produced leaflets for marina users and the aquaculture industry, detailing measures to minimise the risk of introduced species spreading to and around Shetland.

“Introduced species such as the ‘carpet sea squirt’ have caused significant problems around the globe, smothering farmed and wild shellfish beds. We hope that with the help of marine users we can monitor and protect Shetland’s marine environment and important marine industries from these species.”

Marine Spatial Planning Project Officer, Dr Jacqueline Tweddle added: “We are sending information leaflets to marinas, harbours, clubs, and aquaculture companies this week. We would be interested to hear from anybody who thinks that have found any unusual species. We would be grateful if they could send us a picture or bring a sample to the NAFC Marine Centre.”

Pictures can be sent to marineplan@uhi.ac.uk or tel 01595 772000. More information can be found on the NAFC Marine Centre website http://www.nafc.ac.uk/introduced-species.aspx