Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have voted to bring in legislation that will blacklist invasive alien species in a bid to limit environmental and ecological damage across Europe.
Non-native species such as the so-called killer shrimp and Japanese knotweed are estimated to cost EU countries as much as €12bn each year, with the UK’s own annual bill standing at more than £1.7bn. It is estimated that there are some 12,000 alien species in Europe and up to 2,000 in the UK.
The new legislation, which is expected to become law within a few months, will restrict the possession, transportation, selling and growing of a number of these species deemed to be of “Union Concern”.
Official checks at EU borders will be tightened to stop the spread of invasive species, many of which can cripple biodiversity in local environments as well as impact on human health and businesses.
Certain species can spread disease and cause health problems, such as asthma, dermatitis and allergies, as well as causing the extinction of other species.
MEP Pavel Poc, who guided the legislation through the European Parliament, said that efforts are very often not effective simply because dangerous species “do not respect geographical boundaries” and so co-operation between member states is crucial.
MPs and environmentalists in the UK have welcomed the news, with Joan Walley MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee saying that there are too many opportunities for non-native species to come into the UK and wreak havoc.
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) currently has its own guidelines on restricted species but has made assurances that member states will have flexibility in how they implement these rules.