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ARCHIVE: Who is involved in tackling non-native species issues?
Defra - policy responsibility within England for introductions of species not ordinarily resident or regular visitors to Great Britain in the wild state. Defra's responsibilities cover species protection, plant and animal health, licensing of intentional introductions, marine issues such as ballast water exchange, and fisheries
Scottish Executive - policy responsibility within Scotland
Welsh Assembly - policy responsibility within Wales
Non-native Species Secretariat - focal point for communication and coordination between the PB, Working Groups and stakeholders in Great Britain
Statutory conservation agencies - provide scientific advice to government, licensing authorities for releases, instigate practical management activity and more. Specific details of each body’s responsibilities can be obtained from their respective websites:
- In England: Natural England - including the Wildlife Management & Licensing Service which also records evidence of exotic mammals in England
- In Scotland: Scottish Natural Heritage - including the licensing service
- In Wales: Countryside Council for Wales
- Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Environment Agency - action against problem species in the aquatic environment and species factsheets
HM Revenue and Customs - controls at borders
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform - issues concerning trade
Department of Transport - control of non-natives to ensure safety at airports
Highways Agency – Management and safety issues arising from roads acting as conduits for invasive species
Home Office - enforcement of legislation
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
The Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) - research and control/eradication programmes
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) – research into fisheries and aquaculture issues – aquatic scientific research and consultancy
Forestry Commission - management of public forests, control of problem species
Page last modified:
03 February 2009
Page published: 23 October 2008