An analysis of the effectiveness of law and policy in assisting in control and prevention of non-native invasive species spread in England and Wales.

Abstract

Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) are recognised globally as a significant threat to biodiversity. As part of an island nation with longstanding global trading links, England and Wales are particularly susceptible to the threats that NNIS pose. Although current law and policy identify these threats, gaps in knowledge and a clear cohesion between science and law is currently a limitation. This study reviews materials from law, policy and science, as well as incorporating stakeholders’ opinions to identify the best possible practice in the future of NNIS control. A systematic review addressing the study question “how effective is law and policy in assisting in control and prevention of non-native invasive species spread in England and Wales?” was conducted using literature from Web of Science and supplemented by other databases. Following from this a selection review of NNIS in England and Wales was conducted to identify species frequently mentioned in relevant research that have a substantial detrimental impact on social, economic and/or environmental factors to use as case studies. Three high profile species from varying classes were chosen to investigate in more detail how law and policy is applied: Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica Houtt), North American grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin) and North American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana). To ensure a detailed review of these species was undertaken, and a systematic approach was also used. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted in this study to target appropriate stakeholders from different fields of work including governmental representatives, NGOs, agricultural workers, and academics. These questionnaires and interviews aimed to investigate the opinions on key NNIS law and policy in place and any issues with current management of NNIS in England and Wales. This primary research incorporated important opinions from those directly impacted by NNIS, as stakeholder knowledge and experiences are key to understanding the gaps in current NNIS law and policy. Results from this were analysed using the NVivo software and compared to the results from the literature review. The study found, that to effectively control NNIS, law and policy must consider biosecurity and prevention, public involvement, scientific research into effective control measures and enforcement efforts. However, several issues with these areas were identified. Current public awareness of NNIS is poor, highlighting the need for the government to invest more into education campaigns. Better education can in turn help improve biosecurity. It was highlighted that scientific research into risk assessments is a key component in aiding preventative policy, and research into control measures crucial to ensuring NNIS control programmes are an effective use of resources. Enforcement was determined to be the least effective area, with very little evidence of law and policy being enforced to prevent illegal NNIS spread. It is crucial that enforcement efforts are improved to achieve effective NNIS management and ensure law and policy is implemented in England and Wales.