Non-native Species

Non-native species are those species deliberately or unintentionally introduced into the wild by human action outside their natural distribution. Some become invasive where they establish, proliferate and spread in ways that cause damage to native biological diversity and a range of other activities. Invasive non-native species pose one of the most significant threats to marine biodiversity, especially in the light of climate change.

There are a variety of activities that have the potential to bring non-native species into Scottish waters. These include shipping (commercial and recreational), the seafood industry (aquaculture and certain fisheries), scientific research and escapes from public aquaria. Introduction can be either accidental or intentional. Shipping and aquaculture are the most likely sources of their introduction into Scotland, as well as their natural spread from other areas where they are already established.