hosted by Thanet District Council

Non Native Species

 

Thousands of marine species, plants and algae are transported from their native range to "new" areas. These species are called "non-native species"  - sometimes referred to as 'alien' or 'invasive' species.  Species can be introduced to non-native environments accidentally - such as in ballast water; fouling of boats, and introduced in aquaculture - or deliberately.  

 

This section relates to the distribution of Non-Native Species within the North East Kent European Marine Sites

Background

Marine non-native species and management is a priority action within the the North East Kent European Marine Sites Management Scheme 2007-2012 Action Plan, Section 10, outlined in Species Management and Control, and is a current research project.

 

Current Research Project Aim

Volunteer Willie McKnight has set up a project to help establish a “Current Account” database of the distribution & density of non-native species within the North East Kent European Marine Sites which will enable on-going recording, monitoring, data sharing and contribute to the future management of the site.

 

Species Information

Whilst a considerable number of species has been recorded in the local table of non-native species that may require attention within the NE Kent coast and marine area, there are new records regularly turning up, such as the seaweed 'Caulacanthus ustulatus' and during 2011, the Carpet Sea Squirt.